New York mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani recalls crying over Suarez handball against Ghana at 2010 World Cup

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani has revealed he cried because of Luis Suarez’s handball that denied Ghana a place in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.

The dramatic quarter-final in South Africa was tied 1-1 as the clock ticked into the 120th minute of extra time.

Ghana, the last African team remaining in the first World Cup hosted on the continent, launched a final attack.

A scramble in front of the goal saw Dominic Adiyiah’s header headed toward the net. In a split-second decision, Suarez blocked the ball with both hands on the line, an action normally reserved for goalkeepers.

The Black Stars were denied history after Asamoah Gyan missed the ensuing penalty, and Uruguay won the match in a tense shootout.

Mamdani, who watched 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,” adding, “It was the closest...” before being cut off.

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 has a personal connection to Ghana. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, he was given the middle name Kwame in honor 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.

Mamdani was elected New York mayor on November 4, 2025.

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