Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Brazilian forward for Mamelodi Sundowns, has terminated his contract with the South African club and initiated a case with the FIFA Tribunal as of August 21, 2025[1][5]. This has sparked speculation regarding his future in both domestic and international football.
Ribeiro Costa, born on October 9, 1998, in Santa Helena, Brazil, is considered one of the top talents in the South African Premiership[2][6]. He joined Sundowns in July 2023, quickly making an impact by scoring on his Premiership debut against Sekhukhune United and helping the club claim the African Football League title later that year[2].
In June 2025, Ribeiro Costa featured for Sundowns in the FIFA Club World Cup. He scored a memorable goal against Borussia Dortmund, running 67 yards and beating two defenders before netting past Gregor Kobel; this goal was later voted “Goal of the Tournament” by FIFA[2].
Across the 2024/25 season, Ribeiro Costa played 50 matches, scoring 21 goals and providing 13 assists for Sundowns[6]. In the previous season, he tallied 15 goals in 33 games, solidifying his reputation as a prolific forward.
Ribeiro Costa’s career began in the youth ranks of Pinheiros, Brazil, and proceeded through stints in France (Valenciennes) and Belgium (Virton, Charleroi, RWDM Brussels, Mouscron, Waasland-Beveren) before his transfer to Sundowns[2][6].
Off the pitch, his net worth is estimated at £2.62 million, reflecting his success and market value in recent years[7]. Despite contractual turmoil, his technical abilities and recent high-profile achievements have made him a sought-after asset among clubs across several leagues.