Sidny Lopes Cabral scores World Cup winner, eyes debut with Trabzonspor

Sidny Lopes Cabral, the newly signed Cape Verde defender for Trabzonspor, netted what commentators called one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s most spectacular goals in the round of 16. His 103rd‑minute strike secured a 3‑2 extra‑time victory for the Cape Verde Islands over Argentina, a match in which the team had been given only a one‑percent chance of advancing.

Cabral said he was “very happy” to score, adding that playing against Lionel Messi was “awesome.” He praised his country’s performance, noting that the tournament had earned new respect for Cape Verde football. The player also expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming season, stating, “Trabzonspor is a great club with great fans. I can’t wait to start the season,” after completing a five‑year transfer from Benfica.

The goal and his subsequent comments have raised his profile among Trabzonspor supporters ahead of his club debut.