Sidny Lopes Cabral has won the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Fans picked his brilliant strike against Argentina in Cabo Verde’s Round of 32 match as the best goal of the competition.
The defender scored in extra time at Miami Stadium. He beat Alexis Mac Allister before curling a superb shot into the top corner past Emiliano Martinez to level the match at 2-2. Cabo Verde eventually lost 3-2, but the goal became one of the biggest highlights of the tournament.
Lopes Cabral finished ahead of Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov and Haiti’s Wilson Isidor in the fan vote. He joined former winners Maxi Rodriguez, Diego Forlan, James Rodriguez, Benjamin Pavard and Richarlison.
“The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go.’ I saw the space and was eyeing the top corner. I aimed there and struck the ball really well,” Lopes Cabral said.
“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.”
The 23 year old celebrated by running towards his family in the stands. His mother Teresa fainted after seeing the goal. He later found people helping her before they celebrated together.
Lopes Cabral also revealed that former Brazil and Real Madrid star Marcelo sent him a message after the match.
“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 was so excited and honoured,” Lopes Cabral said.
Only three years ago, Lopes Cabral was playing in Germany’s fifth division. Now he has added one of the biggest individual honours in world football to his growing career.
