Sidny Lopes Cabral hails ‘special moment’ after winning 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament award

Sidny Lopes Cabral says receiving the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament trophy is “an immense privilege” after his stunning strike against Argentina was voted the best goal of the finals by supporters worldwide.

The Cape Verde defender’s right-footed curling effort into the top corner past Emiliano Martinez in the last-16 tie earned him the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award, a recognition he describes as the fulfilment of a childhood ambition.

“It’s a huge honour and the kind of recognition every player dreams of,” the 23-year-old told FIFA’s official website. “I am infinitely grateful to everyone who voted for my goal as the most beautiful of the tournament.”

Although visibly proud of the accolade, Lopes Cabral insists he is already focused on what comes next in his career for club and country.

“Now the challenge is to keep working so I can score more goals like that and, above all, help my club and my national team to win matches,” he said. “Receiving this trophy is an immense privilege and a very special moment for me.”

‘A moment that will stay with me forever’

Lopes Cabral also reflected on the move that led to the award-winning goal, admitting it was not entirely unfamiliar territory for him.

“It was the second time I had scored a goal like that,” he explained. “But doing it on the stage of a World Cup makes it even more special. It’s a moment that will stay etched in my memory forever.”

His strike came during Cape Verde’s historic run at their first-ever World Cup, where the team, nicknamed the Blue Sharks, advanced to the round of 16 and pushed Argentina hard before eventually going out.

While his individual achievement has attracted global attention, Lopes Cabral says the wider significance of Cape Verde’s performance at the tournament is what he cherishes most.

Cape Verde’s breakthrough on the world stage

The Blue Sharks’ campaign in their debut World Cup captivated neutral observers, with their progress to the knockout phase underlining the growing strength of emerging nations on the global stage. Their ability to trouble Argentina in the last 16 further reinforced that impression.

“Beyond my individual achievement, what I will remember most is Cape Verde’s historic run,” said Lopes Cabral. “We showed that Cape Verde belongs at this level. Today, many more people know our country and the talent of our players. But this is only the beginning.”

For Lopes Cabral, the Goal of the Tournament award stands both as a personal milestone and as a symbol of Cape Verde’s arrival in elite international football, one he hopes will pave the way for further success for the Blue Sharks in future competitions.