Since joining Sundowns two years ago, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has consistently displayed his skill and talent, but this season has truly been his breakout year.
Having joined Sundowns from Belgian club SK Beveren, Ribeiro arrived in South Africa as a relatively unknown player. Many questioned whether he would adapt to the Premier Soccer League (PSL), but his footballing background suggested otherwise.
Developed in the youth systems of Brazilian club Pinheiros and Valenciennes in France, Ribeiro had already spent four years in Belgium, representing clubs such as R Charleroi SC, Waasland-Beveren, Mouscron, RWDM, and RE Virton. His ability to adjust quickly became evident as he made an immediate impact in his first season with Sundowns.
In 37 matches, Ribeiro scored 16 goals and provided nine assists, playing a key role in Masandawana’s success as they secured the league title and the African Football League (AFL) trophy.
Born in Santa Helena, Brazil, Ribeiro has maintained his exceptional form, helping Sundowns dominate the Betway Premiership. The club currently sits at the top of the table with 51 points after 19 matches, a commanding 15-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have four games in hand.
Individually, Ribeiro has been outstanding, scoring 11 goals in 17 league matches. He is the favourite to win the PSL Golden Boot, with his teammate Iqraam Rayners trailing him on nine goals.
In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Ribeiro has also contributed 10 assists in all competitions, further solidifying his importance to Sundowns’ quest for the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League success.
Given his performances, it is no surprise that former Orlando Pirates and Sundowns legend Teko Modise believes Ribeiro is on track to claim both the PSL Footballer of the Season and Top Goalscorer awards.
“I think Ribeiro has proven himself, and now it’s just a matter of what other individual accolades he can win,” Modise wrote in his Hollywoodbets Sports Blog column ahead of Sundowns’ clash with Kaizer Chiefs this weekend.
“I strongly believe that he can win Footballer of the Season and clinch the Top Goalscorer award. These are the types of games (against Chiefs) that put a player in those conversations.”
“If you are not already in that conversation, match-winning performances in the big games prove to all why you belong in these types of conversations, because Saturday’s encounter is a huge game, it’s a sold-out affair.”
If Ribeiro continues his remarkable form, there is no doubt he will secure individual accolades at the end of the season.
Moreover, with another dominant campaign for Sundowns, interest in his services from major European clubs is inevitable. Having previously played in Belgium, a return to Europe could be on the cards, especially with his growing reputation as one of the PSL’s top talents.
For now, though, Sundowns fans will be hoping their Brazilian maestro continues to shine and lead them to even more success.