Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed plans to find a replacement for Lucas Ribeiro Costa after the highly-rated attacker completed a sensational move to Spanish second-tier side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.
The Brazilian-born star took the PSL by storm upon his arrival at Sundowns in July 2023 as a marquee signing. Ribeiro quickly won the hearts of football lovers with his dazzling skills to score and create goals.
The 26-year-old made 88 appearances across all competitions, scoring 37 goals and providing 23 assists in the colours of Sundowns. As a result of his impressive displays, Ribeiro won two Betway Premiership titles and the 2023 African Football League [AFL] trophy with Masandawana. His best season was in the 2024/25 campaign after scoring 21 goals and contributing 14 assists in 51 matches.
After the outstanding showing last season, Ribeiro won the Betway Premiership Footballer of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season, and the Golden Boot accolade in the 2025 PSL awards.
The left-footed star also delivered impressive performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including a notable goal against German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. His goal against Dortmund was subsequently named the best goal of the tournament.
As a result of proving himself on the global stage, Ribeiro attracted interest from several clubs, including a lucrative offer from Qatar SC, which was turned down by Sundowns.
Ribeiro went on to force a move away from the PSL high spenders after receiving an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from FIFA to join Spanish second division side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.
CARDOSO SAYS SUNDOWNS LOST AN IMPACTFUL PLAYER
While Downs have reportedly not given up on the dispute with Ribeiro, Miguel Cardoso said they lost one impactful player, and they need to find a replacement.
“It’s clear that the team needs extra energy and quality in front; we lost important resources over the year. It’s only one name [Ribeiro], but his name had a lot of impact,” Cardoso said.
“We are still trying to find the right connections and develop the capacity to get there. We believe so much in our players, but some of them are very young, and they can’t cope with the responsibility of carrying a team like Mamelodi Sundowns that needs to win every match.
“It’s important to know that the teams in the PSL reinforced themselves a lot, and the competition is very hard. And if we can, we need to find the right players so that we can move to being stronger because the CAF Champions League is also approaching.”
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