Siphiwe Tshabalala is responsible for one of the most iconic World Cup moments in history. The South African winger scored a thunderous strike that ignited the 2010 World Cup against Mexico, a fixture that will also launch the 2026 tournament.
On June 11, 2010, Tshabalala fired South Africa ahead in the opening game with a fierce drive into the top right corner. The iconic touchline dance that followed was almost as famous as the goal itself. Peter Drury's commentary immortalized the moment: 'Goal Bafana Bafana, goal for South Africa, goal for all Africa.'
Now 41, Tshabalala has written children's books and is an active member of the FIFA Player Executive Programme. He runs community initiatives, such as delivering school shoes to underprivileged children. He recently attended Harvard Business School in Boston, USA.
Speaking to FIFA in 2020, Tshabalala said: 'That was always going to be the biggest goal in my career, no matter what came after, because it touched so many lives and brought joy to so many people. I'll always love it – it's beautiful – but the goal is bigger than me as an individual.'
Reflecting on his technique, he explained: 'I actually thought at first about lobbing or chipping it because the keeper was off his line. Thankfully I thought twice and decided for power instead. The ball took a slight bounce, which helped, and the connection was so good that as soon as the ball left my foot I knew it was going in.'
Tshabalala began his career with Free State Stars and later played for Kaizer Chiefs from 2007 to 2018. A short stint in Turkey with BB Erzurumspor followed, after which he returned to South Africa to play for AmaZulu before retiring. He made his national team debut in 2006 and was part of the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008, and 2013, as well as the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
