Sidny Lopes Cabral has become one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after helping Cape Verde make history in the tournament. The dynamic full-back caught the attention of soccer fans around the world with his performances throughout Cape Verde’s remarkable run, including a memorable goal against Argentina in the Round of 32.
Although Cape Verde’s dream came to an end in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina, Lopes Cabral emerged as one of the nation’s brightest talents and a player to watch for years to come.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Cape Verde international.
Who is Sidny Lopes Cabral?
Sidny Lopes Cabral is a professional soccer player who represents the Cape Verde national team and plays as a left-back. Known for his pace, attacking ability, and defensive versatility, he has developed into one of Cape Verde’s most exciting young players.
Despite being born in the Netherlands, Lopes Cabral chose to represent Cape Verde internationally through his family heritage.
Sidny Lopes Cabral profile
- Full name: Sidny Lopes Cabral
- Date of birth: September 18, 2002
- Age: 23
- Place of birth: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Nationality: Cape Verde
- Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position: Left-back
- Preferred foot: Both
- Current club: Trabzonspor
- National team: Cape Verde
Where was Sidny Lopes Cabral born?
Sidny Lopes Cabral was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on September 18, 2002.
Although born in the Netherlands, he is of Cape Verdean descent and elected to represent Cape Verde on the international stage. Like many members of the national team, Lopes Cabral is part of Cape Verde’s large diaspora, which has helped strengthen the country’s soccer program.
How old is Sidny Lopes Cabral?
As of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sidny Lopes Cabral is 23 years old.
His emergence on the world stage at such a young age has positioned him as one of Cape Verde’s cornerstone players heading into future international competitions.
What position does Sidny Lopes Cabral play?
Lopes Cabral primarily plays as a left-back, but his versatility allows him to fill several positions across the back line and midfield.
His strengths include:
- Excellent pace
- Strong one-on-one defending
- Ability to attack from wide areas
- Accurate crossing
- Comfort using both feet
- Tactical flexibility
His ability to contribute on both ends of the field has made him an important player for both club and country.
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s club career
Lopes Cabral’s path to professional soccer has been one of perseverance.
Early in his career, he spent time playing in Germany’s lower divisions, where he faced financial and personal challenges while trying to establish himself as a professional player.
His breakthrough eventually came in Portugal, where he impressed with Estrela da Amadora before earning a move to Benfica. His continued development led to a transfer to Turkish club Trabzonspor in 2026.
The move represented another major step in a career that has steadily progressed through determination and consistent performances.
Sidny Lopes Cabral at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduced Lopes Cabral to a global audience.
Cape Verde enjoyed a historic tournament by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time, and Lopes Cabral played a significant role throughout the competition.
His defining moment came in the Round of 32 against defending champion Argentina.
With Cape Verde trailing in extra time, Lopes Cabral unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner to level the match at 2-2, producing one of the tournament’s most memorable goals.
Argentina ultimately advanced after a dramatic late own goal, but Lopes Cabral’s performance earned widespread praise from fans and analysts alike.
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s family
Soccer talent runs in the Lopes Cabral family.
Sidny is the younger brother of Rodny Lopes Cabral, who is also a professional footballer and has represented Cape Verde internationally.
The brothers have both contributed to the rapid rise of Cape Verde on the international soccer stage.
Quick facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sidny Lopes Cabral |
| Birth date | September 18, 2002 |
| Age | 23 |
| Birthplace | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Cape Verde |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Left-back |
| Preferred foot | Both |
| Club | Trabzonspor |
| National team | Cape Verde |
A rising star for Cape Verde
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s journey from lower-division soccer to starring on the world’s biggest stage is one of the inspiring stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At only 23 years old, the versatile defender has already established himself as one of Cape Verde’s most important players. With his combination of athleticism, technical ability, and determination, Lopes Cabral appears poised to become a fixture for both club and country for years to come.
His breakout performances at the World Cup have not only elevated his own profile but have also showcased the growing strength of Cape Verdean soccer on the international stage.