Sidny Lopes Cabral wrote one of the most memorable chapters of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The spectacular right-footed goal he scored for Cape Verde against Argentina in the Round of 16 was named the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament, an award recognizing the best goal of the tournament.
The play went down as one of the World Cup’s best moments after the defender shook off an opponent and fired a curling shot that found the top corner of the net defended by Emiliano Martínez. The goal tied the score at 2-2 in a thrilling match that ultimately ended with a 3-2 victory for Argentina in extra time.
With this award, Lopes Cabral edged out goals by Eldor Shomurodov of Uzbekistan and Wilson Isidor of Haiti, who finished in second and third place, respectively.
The Cape Verdean soccer player also joined a select group of award winners, including names such as Maxi Rodríguez, Diego Forlán, James Rodríguez, Benjamin Pavard, and Richarlison. Furthermore, he became only the second defender to win this award, following in Pavard’s footsteps.
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s story also stands out for his journey of overcoming adversity. Just three years before shining at the 2026 World Cup, he was playing in Germany’s fifth division. Now, his extraordinary goal against Argentina has been immortalized as the best of the tournament and earned him one of soccer’s most prestigious individual honors.
