FIFA announced that Lopes Cabral’s spectacular strike against Argentina has been voted the Goal of the Tournament, following a worldwide fan vote.
The Cape Verde left-back produced a moment of magic during the dramatic Round of 16 clash with the defending champions. In the 103rd minute, Cabral cut inside from the left, dribbled past Alexis Mac Allister and curled an unstoppable effort into the top-right corner from the edge of the penalty area, leveling the match at 2-2 and putting Argentina on the brink of a sensational elimination.
For many 12B Sports fans, it was the defining goal of the tournament—a strike combining flawless technique, incredible composure, and perfect timing.
Before the match, Cabral admitted that his biggest dream was simply to stand beside Lionel Messi and take a few photographs.
Instead, he became one of the biggest stories of the World Cup.
His breathtaking goal not only stunned Messi and the Argentine squad but also became one of the tournament’s most replayed highlights. Fans eventually voted it ahead of Eldor Shomurodov’s delicate chipped finish for Uzbekistan and Isidore’s thunderous long-range strike for Haiti.
Cabral also became just the second full-back to win FIFA’s World Cup Goal of the Tournament award since Benjamin Pavard’s famous volley for France in 2018.
Looking back at the unforgettable moment, Cabral admitted everything happened instinctively.
“When I beat the defender, I saw some space open up and thought, ‘Why not take the shot?’ I can strike the ball with either foot, and I always aim for the top corner.”
“I watched the ball flying toward the goal and the only thing in my head was, ‘What have I just done?’ I honestly couldn’t believe it. My teammates were screaming with their hands on their heads, and I just started running to celebrate without even thinking.”
“Every footballer dreams of scoring at a World Cup, but to do it like that, on such a huge stage, against the defending champions, is something I’ll never forget.”
Moments like these are exactly why 12B Sports supporters continue to celebrate the magic that only the World Cup can produce.
The incredible goal created unforgettable emotions not only on the pitch but also in the stands.
Cabral revealed that before kick-off he had promised both his mother and girlfriend that if he scored, he would immediately run toward them.
When he finally reached the stands, however, something unexpected had happened.
“My mother was crying so much that she didn’t even realize I was standing right in front of her,” Cabral explained.
“Everyone was surrounding her because she had actually fainted after my goal. The excitement was simply too much.”
It became one of the tournament’s most heartwarming stories and perfectly illustrated how deeply football can affect entire families.
As if winning Goal of the Tournament was not enough, Cabral later received a message from one of his lifelong idols.
Brazilian legend Marcelo personally congratulated him and even revealed that he had voted for Cabral’s strike.
“I’ve admired Marcelo since I was a child,” Cabral said.
“He’s one of the greatest left-backs ever and someone I always tried to learn from. When he told me he voted for my goal, I didn’t know how to reply. I thanked him and said I was incredibly honored.”
“Then he replied, ‘Watching you play is a pleasure. You’re an excellent player.’ I was completely speechless.”
For the 23-year-old, the message was almost as memorable as the goal itself.
Cabral’s rise is one of football’s most remarkable stories.
Born in Rotterdam, the Cape Verde international was playing in Germany’s fifth division just three years ago. Life was so difficult that he reportedly used black garbage bags as curtains because he couldn’t afford proper ones.
His career began to accelerate after earning a move to Benfica, where he made eight league appearances under José Mourinho and even scored once during the season.
Cabral has often praised Mourinho’s brutally honest coaching style.
“He tells you exactly what he thinks,” Cabral once recalled.
“After one poor match he simply told me, ‘Yesterday you played like rubbish.’ But when you perform well, he praises you just as honestly. That’s something I really respect.”
Before the World Cup began, Cabral completed another major step in his career by joining Turkish club Trabzonspor.
Now, after producing the tournament’s most unforgettable goal and earning worldwide recognition, his remarkable journey is only just beginning.
Many 12B Sports followers will now be eager to see whether the former fifth-tier footballer can transform his World Cup breakthrough into lasting success at club level.
