Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed the swirling speculation surrounding the future of star forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa, stating that an announcement on the Brazilian’s status is imminent.
During a press conference at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night, Cardoso’s response to a question about Ribeiro was far from clear, yet he provided a glimmer of hope for the Masandawana faithful.
The Portuguese coach assured Sundowns’ faithful that a resolution to Ribeiro’s uncertain situation is within reach, indicating that the club will soon provide an update on the matter.
This comes after a month of growing uncertainty since FARPost reported that Ribeiro had left Sundowns’ pre-season training camp in Rustenburg. This publication reported that the attacker requested to leave amid advanced negotiations for a potential transfer.
Since then, the 26-year-old has been conspicuously absent from the Sundowns team, not featuring in any of the club’s four matches so far this season, nor even making the matchday squad.
“I don’t think it is up to me to give an answer to the question of Lucas,” said Cardoso after Sundowns played to a 1-all draw against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg in Soweto.
“But sure in the proper time you will know everything that has happened with him,” he declared, adding that Arthur Sales should not be compared to his countryman Ribeiro.
SUNDOWNS COACH CARDOSO HINTS AT RIBEIRO UPDATE
“Regarding Arthur, he is doing well,” Cardoso continued. “He’s showing that he understands what the team wants from that position [forward], and bringing his ‘A’ game to help the team. As I said, no one should expect one player to replace another.
“We have to use the characteristics that Arthur has and is showing, and he’s getting better each match. Let’s hope he can stabilise his performance at a very high level because he is a player that we trust. We can’t be making a copycat of a player who isn’t with the team at the moment,” he concluded.
Sales was on target in the 1-1 draw with Chippa United in the league. He was also named Man of the Match in the 2-0 win over AmaZulu FC, with signs that he could emerge as the Tshwane giants’ new talisman.
However, Ribeiro’s absence is jarring, especially since the Brazilian has been a vital cog in the Sundowns machine since his arrival at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Ribeiro’s recent form was exceptional, both internationally and at home. He was a standout at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and even more impressive domestically. In the 2024/25 season, he tallied 25 goal contributions in 51 games, helping Sundowns clinch their eighth consecutive league title.
His remarkable performances culminated at the PSL awards, where he won four major accolades, including PSL Footballer of the Season and Betway Premiership Top Goal Scorer.
With his stock on the rise, Ribeiro has attracted interest from clubs in Qatar, France, and Belgium. However, it is his home country club, Fluminense, that is reportedly most keen on his signature. The reason for his absence is reportedly linked to that.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns defender addresses Lucas Ribeiro’s potential exit
