Chile's football federation has granted goalkeeper Vozinha a special exemption regarding the name printed on his shirt as he begins a new chapter at Colo Colo, the club he has described as the highlight of his career.
The Cape Verdean shot-stopper touched down in Santiago on Sunday, where he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of Colo Colo supporters eager to catch a glimpse of the World Cup star. Two days later, he took to the training pitch for the first time with his new teammates, officially beginning his time in Chile.
Vozinha's rise to global recognition came during the last World Cup, where he became a central figure in Cape Verde's historic run. He was instrumental in helping his nation secure its first-ever point at a World Cup, a memorable result against Spain in the group stage. Cape Verde went on to reach the knockout rounds, where they pushed eventual finalists Argentina all the way to extra time in the last 32 before being eliminated.
That tournament transformed Vozinha from a relatively unknown journeyman into an internet sensation. His Instagram following exploded from roughly 50,000 to nearly 30 million in the aftermath of Cape Verde's exploits. His performances were further recognized when he was named to Fifa's team of the tournament. In an unusual twist, a newly discovered species of sea slug was even named in his honor, cementing his unlikely status as one of the World Cup's most memorable personalities.
Despite the global fame, Vozinha's career path prior to the tournament had been far from glamorous. He played across several lesser-known leagues, including spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova and Cyprus, before most recently featuring for Chaves in Portugal's second division. Yet through those years in less prestigious competitions, he maintained a belief that he belonged at a higher level.
"The decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren't exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a 'big club' player," Vozinha said.
Colo Colo, historically Chile's most decorated club with 34 Primera Division titles and 14 Copa Chile trophies, presented Vozinha with an opportunity he says he could not turn down, even amid interest from elsewhere.
"So when Colo Colo came calling, there was no doubt. From day one, I knew where I wanted to play. I received many offers but Colo Colo was always the priority," he explained.
While his World Cup heroics with Cape Verde will remain a defining moment of his career, Vozinha made clear that his focus has now shifted entirely to his new surroundings in Chile.
"The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Being here representing Colo Colo - a massive club with a rich history - is the highlight of my club career," he said.
With the shirt-naming exemption approved by the Chilean federation, Vozinha will be able to display his name as he wishes when he eventually pulls on the famous white jersey in competitive action. For now, fans in Santiago will be hoping the goalkeeper can carry some of his World Cup magic into his new life at one of South America's most storied clubs.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.