By Abasi Ita
Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has claimed the FIFA World Cup 2026 Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award after his sensational strike against Argentina was voted the competition’s finest goal by football fans across the globe.
The breathtaking effort came during Cape Verde’s thrilling Round of 32 encounter with eventual finalists Argentina in Miami. With his side chasing the game, the 23 year old danced past Alexis Mac Allister before curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner to draw his team level at 2,2. Argentina, however, went on to secure a 3,2 victory after extra time.
Lopes Cabral’s stunning finish topped the fan vote ahead of Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov in second place and Haiti’s Wilson Isidor in third.
The Cape Verde international now joins an elite roll call of previous winners that includes Maxi Rodriguez, Diego Forlan, James Rodriguez, Benjamin Pavard and Richarlison.
Reflecting on the unforgettable goal, Lopes Cabral said instinct took over the moment he spotted an opening after beating his marker.
“I can shoot with both feet. I saw the space and aimed for the top corner. When I looked up and saw the ball flying in, I could not believe what I had just done,” he said.
“My teammates were screaming with joy. I simply started running. Then it struck me that I had scored such a spectacular goal on the biggest stage in football against a team like Argentina. It was an incredible feeling.”
The goal also produced an emotional moment in the stands as his mother, Teresa, fainted while celebrating the remarkable strike.
Lopes Cabral revealed he had promised both his mother and girlfriend that he would run to them if he found the back of the net.
“When I reached them, my mother was crying and had not even realised I was standing beside her because everyone was attending to her after she fainted,” he said.
The defender also disclosed that former Brazil and Real Madrid star Marcelo, one of his childhood idols, sent him a congratulatory message after the match.
According to Lopes Cabral, Marcelo revealed that he had voted the strike as the tournament’s best goal and praised his performance, a gesture the Cape Verde star described as one of the most memorable moments of his career.
Lopes Cabral’s rise has been remarkable. Just three years ago, he was playing in Germany’s fifth division under modest conditions. Today, he has etched his name into World Cup history by winning one of football’s most prestigious individual honours.
Before the clash with Argentina, the defender had spoken of his dream of taking a photograph with Lionel Messi. Instead, he left the tournament with a far greater prize, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Goal of the Tournament award.
