Cabral: From the top league straight to Messi

Sidny Lopes Cabral has made the almost impossible leap from German amateur football to the world stage, thwarting the greatest player of all time in the process. A few years after his start in the top league at Viktoria Köln, the defender faced Lionel Messi at the World Cup. His journey began in the fifth division, where he played for Viktoria Köln and proved himself in amateur football.

The move to Estrela Amadora in Portugal marked the decisive step into the professional ranks, but the rise took place at an unusually steep pace. In just two years he rose from the Portuguese third division to the Primeira Liga - a pace that amazed even experienced scouts. His performances at Estrela Amadora did not go unnoticed: in the 2022/23 season he played 31 league games and scored two goals, including a decisive goal in the promotion race.