Sidny Lopes Cabral’s rise from the lower reaches of German football to the threshold of a Champions League meeting with Real Madrid has unfolded at a pace even he struggles to comprehend.
Just three years ago, the Cape Verde international was operating largely out of sight as a substitute in Germany’s fifth tier, and as recently as six months ago he was playing in the third division.
Now, he wears the colours of Benfica, one of Europe’s most storied clubs, with the World Cup also looming on the horizon.
In an interview with Voetbal International, Lopes Cabral reflected on a journey shaped by patience, persistence and sudden opportunity.
He has experienced the realities of football far from the spotlight, navigating the demanding lower levels of the German system before a decisive move last summer altered the trajectory of his career.
His transfer to Estrela Amadora proved to be a turning point. A strong first half of the season in Portugal quickly elevated his profile, bringing him to the attention of some of the country’s biggest clubs.
As his agent relayed to him, interest was mounting at the highest level.
“He told me he was in talks with Sporting, Braga and Benfica…” Lopes Cabral said. “What?! Benfica? When I heard that, I only had one desire: to go there.”
The move materialised swiftly. Presented as a Benfica player shortly before the New Year, the left-back described being overwhelmed by the scale of the occasion.
“I’m usually pretty calm, but when I found myself there, I was nervous. I’d never seen so many cameras at a contract signing. It was incredible!”
The sense of disbelief continued into his first training session. “I was completely nervous again. I’d barely gotten out of my car when I found myself facing another camera, which followed me all day.”
On the pitch, his impact was immediate. Against his former club Estrela Amadora, the versatile defender scored once and set up two more goals, underlining his rapid adaptation to life at Benfica.
Although he was ineligible for the Champions League in January, he is now in contention as Benfica prepare to face Real Madrid in this month’s qualifying rounds.
“If you had asked me at the start of the season where I would be in six months, I certainly wouldn’t have imagined playing against Real Madrid in the Champions League.”
Looking back, Lopes Cabral frames his rise as a personal triumph built on belief. “My career has been quite an incredible story.
I am especially proud of my daily motivation and my self-confidence. Because, to be honest, when I was a substitute in the German fifth division, I never would have imagined playing for Benfica.”
With the World Cup also approaching, he acknowledges the significance of the moment. “I’m really looking forward to it. This isn’t a season like any other for me.”
