Vozinha Signs with Colo-Colo, Faces Jersey Name Hurdle
Cape Verde's World Cup standout goalkeeper Vozinha has been officially unveiled by Chilean giants Colo-Colo, drawing a massive crowd of supporters eager to see the veteran shot-stopper in his new colors. But as the 40-year-old prepares for his potential debut, a regulatory issue threatens to alter the name on the back of his jersey.
A Warm Welcome in Santiago
More than 20,000 Colo-Colo fans packed the Monumental Stadium on Wednesday to greet their newest signing, according to multiple reports. The goalkeeper, whose real name is Josimar José Évora Dias, was greeted with flares, chants, and thunderous applause as he stepped onto the pitch wearing his new number 29 shirt.
"I received a very warm welcome from the very beginning. I feel at home, I feel like part of a family," Vozinha said, as quoted by reports from the unveiling event. "The group is very, very good, and we are going to work hard every day. I have already seen the quality of the squad, and that shows why we are in first place."
Colo-Colo, currently leading the Chilean Primera División by 12 points, could hand Vozinha his debut as early as Sunday in an away match against Unión La Calera. The club's supporters expressed excitement about the arrival of a player who became a global sensation during the World Cup.
A Career Milestone
Vozinha, who joined from Portuguese side Chaves, described the move as the greatest moment of his club career. He stated that joining Colo-Colo fulfilled a long-held ambition of playing for a major club, adding that despite receiving several offers after the World Cup, the Chilean side was always his preferred destination.
The goalkeeper became one of the breakout stars of the FIFA World Cup with Cape Verde, producing a series of impressive performances, including a clean sheet in a goalless draw against eventual champion Spain. His heroics, which also included notable saves against Argentina, earned him a place in FIFA's fan-selected World Cup dream team.
His performances also boosted his social media following, which soared from 50,000 to nearly 30 million on Instagram, a rise partly attributed to promotion by Brazilian influencer Casimiro.
Jersey Name Controversy
However, the most pressing concern for Vozinha's new chapter is the name that will appear on his jersey. Regulations from the Chilean National Association of Professional Football (ANFP) require players to use their surname in domestic competition, which would prevent Vozinha from using the nickname that made him famous worldwide.
The nickname, which means "little granny" in Portuguese and serves as a tribute to his grandparents, has accompanied him throughout his career. According to one report, he has said he intends to keep wearing it until he retires because of its deep personal significance.
Colo-Colo has requested an exemption from the Council of Presidents, the body comprising top executives of Chilean clubs. The board is expected to vote on the matter Friday, and the decision must be unanimous for Vozinha to wear his nickname, as per reports.
ANFP regulations state that "nicknames, appellations, or sobriquets will not be permitted" in the domestic competition. Players who fail to comply face an administrative yellow card, and their clubs can be fined up to $875.
Another challenge will be deciding which jersey number Vozinha will wear, as traditional goalkeeper numbers are already assigned, with Argentine goalkeeper Fernando de Paul currently wearing No. 1.
Looking Ahead
Vozinha arrived in Santiago on Sunday to a warm reception and trained with his new teammates on Tuesday, according to reports. The club's president, Anibal Mosa, announced the agreement on Saturday, noting that Vozinha would undergo medical examinations before being presented at the Estadio Monumental.
Mosa added that Vozinha's World Cup performance showed he deserved the move, while acknowledging that the signing also carried marketing appeal for the Chilean side.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether the nickname exemption is granted and when Vozinha will make his competitive debut for Chile's most successful club.