New York Mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani has opened up about the emotional heartbreak he experienced during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, recalling the infamous Luis Suarez handball that denied Ghana a historic semifinal place.
The dramatic quarter-final in South Africa saw the match tied 1-1 deep into extra time. Ghana, the last African team remaining in the first World Cup held on the continent, launched a final attack. Dominic Adiyiah’s header appeared destined for the net, only for Suarez to make a split-second decision, using his hands on the goal line to block the ball—a move normally reserved for goalkeepers.
Ghana was left reeling after Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, with Uruguay ultimately winning the match in a tense shootout.
Mamdani, who witnessed the match at FNB Stadium, told The Adams Friedland Show: “I was at the Ghana-Uruguay game. That’s where I cried in public. Yeah, Luis Suarez,” before trailing off and adding, “It was the closest…”
The host reacted in disbelief: “Asamoah Gyan. Dude, I can’t… The mayor caring about soccer is… The mayor caring about Arsenal is like Wakanda for me.”
Mamdani’s connection to Ghana is deeply personal. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, he was given the middle name Kwame in honour of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He lived in Kampala until age five before moving to Cape Town, South Africa, where his father led African studies at the University of Cape Town. The family later settled in New York City when he was seven.
On November 4, 2025, Mamdani was elected New York City mayor, marking a milestone in his remarkable journey from Africa to American politics.
