Chilean club Colo-Colo awaits World Cup star Vozinha amid visa delays

Chilean football club Colo-Colo eagerly awaits the arrival of goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, widely known as Vozinha, whose entry into the country has been postponed due to visa processing delays. The 40-year-old player, a star for Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup, was scheduled to land in Santiago on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to undergo medical examinations and finalize his contract with the club.

Vozinha's journey to Chile has captured significant attention following his exceptional performance in the World Cup. Named in FIFA's ideal team of the tournament based on fan votes, he endeared himself to millions with his brilliant play. FIFA itself shed light on the origin of his unique nickname during the tournament, a detail previously unknown to most global football followers.

The player's identity document reveals a connection to football history, named Josimar after a Brazilian fullback. However, his father's initial wish was to name him Valdano, in honor of the Argentine idol. This choice was ultimately disallowed by Cabo Verdean authorities.

Explaining his nickname, Vozinha shared that it stems from his relationship with his grandparents, with whom he grew up as his parents were often occupied with work and his father was serving in the military. He recalled childhood games where he received many physical blows due to his competitive spirit, leading to taunts from peers about complaining to his grandparents. The nickname "Vozinha" is a tender diminutive of "avó," the Portuguese word for grandmother, translating to "little grandmother." This affectionate moniker, now globally recognized, is tied to his compelling personal story and his heroic saves for his national team.