Vozinha gets rare exemption to wear nickname on jersey at Colo Colo

It's a rare privilege in South American football. The Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) has granted Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha a special exemption allowing him to wear his nickname on his shirt rather than his official surname — Josimar Dias Vozinha. The keeper, who has just signed with Colo Colo, one of the most iconic clubs on the continent, will thus keep the identity under which he built his international reputation. Vozinha, 33, is a cornerstone of Cape Verdean football. A regular international with the Blue Sharks, he has made his mark at the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, proudly representing the island nation. His move to Colo Colo opens a new chapter in a career that has included spells in Europe, particularly in Portugal. For the African and Caribbean diaspora, the gesture carries particular significance. In many Afro-descendant cultures, a nickname is far more than a shorthand — it's an identity, a family story, a community anchor. Allowing Vozinha to play under his chosen name acknowledges that cultural dimension beyond mere administrative protocol. On the sporting side, Colo Colo are looking to strengthen their squad for the current season with ambitions in the Copa Libertadores. Vozinha's experience in high-stakes international competitions could prove invaluable in the big continental fixtures. His profile as a battle-tested goalkeeper is a genuine asset for the Chilean giants. A signing that generates buzz both for what it means on the pitch and the cultural symbolism it carries.