Mamdani recalls Suarez’s block in 2010 World Cup
New York Mayor-elect, Zohran Kwame Mamdani has opened up about a deeply personal football moment from his youth, revealing that he once cried in public during a World Cup match.
The match, held on July 2, 2010, ended in heartbreak for Ghana after a late, controversial moment changed the course of the game.
Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan striker, deliberately handled a goal-bound header from Ghana in the final minutes of extra time, preventing what seemed certain to be a winning goal for the Black Stars.
The handball led to a penalty, which Asamoah Gyan missed, allowing Uruguay to advance to the semi-finals after beating Ghana in the penalty shootouts.
‘Spiritual league’ – Kotoko slammed over bizarre pre-match ritual
Mamdani, who was at the stadium, recalled the dramatic incident during an interview.
“I was at the Ghana and Uruguay game and that’s when I cried in public,” Mamdani said.
Despite the heartbreak, Mamdani said the experience also fueled his love for the game.
Watch the interview below:
“I cried in public”
New York Mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani reveals he wept when Luis Suarez stopped a Ghana goal-bound header against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/GqlAaQJahh
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) November 27, 2025
FKA/JE
