Vozinha Promotes Spider-Man Film in Jersey Amid Transfer Delays

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha embraced his rising fame by donning a Spider-Man jersey for a promotional video related to the new film, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." The 40-year-old World Cup star, who gained global recognition during the tournament, was traveling to join Colo Colo in Chile but experienced delays due to paperwork issues. His arrival, initially expected by Wednesday, was now pushed to Thursday.

On social media, Vozinha leveraged his increasing influence, which grew from under 50,000 followers pre-World Cup to 29.6 million afterwards, encouraging his fans to watch the film.

Colo Colo, Chile's prestigious club, faced hurdles regarding the goalkeeper's nickname. According to the regulations set by the Chilean National Association of Professional Football (ANFP), players must have their surnames featured on their jerseys. Thus, Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar José Évora Dias, would need to forgo the nickname that earned him fame globally. This posed a potential setback for his brand, as "Vozinha" translates to "grandma" in Portuguese, honoring the woman who raised him.

Failing to comply with this rule could result in penalties, such as administrative yellow cards or fines of up to $875. Colo Colo has sought an exemption from the Council of Presidents, which consists of top executives from Chilean clubs. A vote on this matter is anticipated on Friday, and a unanimous decision is essential for Vozinha to wear his beloved nickname.

Another consideration for the club is what jersey number Vozinha will wear, as traditional goalkeeper numbers are already taken. Currently, Argentine goalkeeper Fernando de Paul holds No. 1.

Vozinha captured attention at the World Cup while leading newcomers Cape Verde to a historic performance. He kept a clean sheet in their opening match against eventual champion Spain and made stunning saves against Argentina in the round of 32, where they narrowly lost 3-2. His transition to South America has sparked significant interest, especially as Chile's national team did not qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Vozinha's signing is expected to enhance the profiles of both Colo Colo and Chilean football, offering exciting commercial prospects. Since the announcement, the club has gained nearly 70,000 new followers on social media, showcasing the "Vozinha effect" as support for the club broadens globally. "The whole world is getting to know Colo Colo better," stated supporter Héctor Hermosilla. "The world’s cameras will be on Vozinha, which will benefit the club."