Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted special permission by the Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) to continue wearing his famous nickname on his Colo Colo shirt despite league regulations prohibiting nicknames on playing jerseys.

The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, joined Chilean giants Colo Colo on a six-month contract earlier this week after attracting worldwide attention with his performances at the World Cup.

League regulations normally require players to wear their registered names, with ANFP rules stating that "nicknames, appellations or sobriquets" are not permitted on official match shirts. Colo Colo, however, successfully appealed for an exemption, allowing the veteran goalkeeper to continue playing under the name "Vozinha", which means "granny" in Portuguese.

"It is the name I have used my entire life," Vozinha told reporters.

"In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well.

"If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute."

Vozinha arrived in Santiago on Sunday to a warm welcome from Colo Colo supporters before joining his new teammates for training two days later.

The goalkeeper became one of the breakout stars of the World Cup after helping Cape Verde earn their first-ever point at the tournament with a draw against Spain. The island nation later reached the knockout stage before pushing eventual finalists Argentina to extra time in the round of 32.

His remarkable performances earned him a place in FIFA's Team of the Tournament, while his popularity soared off the pitch as his Instagram following exploded from around 50,000 to nearly 30 million. A newly discovered species of sea slug was even named in his honour.

Having previously played club football in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Portugal, Vozinha described joining Colo Colo as the pinnacle of his club career.

"I always believed I was a 'big club' player," he said.

"When Colo Colo came calling, there was no hesitation. I had other offers, but this was always my first choice.

"The World Cup was the greatest moment of my international career, but representing a club with Colo Colo's history is the highlight of my club career."