Sidny Lopes Cabral's stunner voted Goal of the Tournament at World

Cabo Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral has been awarded the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026, following his spectacular equalizer against Argentina in the Round of 16. The 23-year-old left-back's curling effort from outside the box drew his side level at 2-2 in extra time, before Cabo Verde ultimately fell 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at Miami Stadium.

A goal for the ages

Lopes Cabral's strike came after he dribbled past Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister and unleashed a right-footed shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The goal was voted the best of the tournament, ahead of efforts from Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov and Haiti's Wilson Isidor, who finished second and third respectively.

“The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go’,” Lopes Cabral said. “I shoot well with both feet. I saw the space and was eyeing the top corner. I aimed there and struck the ball really well. When I looked up and saw it heading for that top corner, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my team-mates – everyone was screaming, hands on their heads, overjoyed.”

The goal continued a tradition of full-backs winning the award, following Benjamin Pavard in 2018. Lopes Cabral also joins a list of past winners including Maxi Rodriguez, Diego Forlan, James Rodriguez, and Richarlison.

Emotional scenes and a message from an idol

The goal sparked wild celebrations, with Lopes Cabral running towards his family in the stands. His mother, Teresa, had fainted from the excitement. “Before the game, I’d told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I’d run over to them,” he explained. “When I got there, I saw my mom crying; she hadn't even realized I was right there. Everyone was busy tending to her because she had fainted when I scored!”

After the match, Lopes Cabral received a message from Brazilian legend Marcelo, a fellow left-back he idolized. “He told me he voted for my goal as the best of the tournament! I replied, ‘Thank you so much! I don't know how to thank you. I’m so excited and honoured that you saw me play.’ And he said, ‘It was a pleasure watching you play; you’re really good.’ I was just like, ‘My word!’ I couldn't believe it when I got his message.”

Remarkable rise from obscurity

Lopes Cabral's journey to the World Cup stage has been extraordinary. Just three years ago, he was playing in the German fifth division and living in modest conditions, using bin bags as makeshift curtains. His parents were born in Cabo Verde, and he now plays professionally in the Netherlands for Rotterdam club Sparta Rotterdam. The award caps a rapid ascent that has seen him go from relative anonymity to sharing a stage with football's elite.