In a significant victory for Mamelodi Sundowns, the club has won its legal case against Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa. A FIFA Tribunal ruled in favour of Sundowns, declaring that Ribeiro’s early contract termination lacked “just cause.” As a result, his playing rights remain tied to the club until June 2028.
Ribeiro left Sundowns last year in dramatic fashion, unilaterally terminating his contract to join Spanish second-division club Cultural Leonesa. However, that decision has now backfired. The FIFA ruling blocked potential big-money moves, including a proposed transfer to Rulani Mokwena’s Al-Ittihad Tripoli in Libya. Other clubs also pulled back without a clean release from FIFA.
After Cultural Leonesa’s relegation, Ribeiro’s options became extremely limited. Facing possible sanctions for continuing to rebel, the 2024/25 PSL Player of the Season has accepted the situation. He has followed Sundowns back on Instagram — a clear sign of reconciliation — and is set to return to South Africa.
The player is expected to report to the training ground soon, where the coaching staff will decide his place in the squad for the upcoming season. Known for his exceptional dribbling and attacking flair, Ribeiro remains one of the most exciting talents in South African football.
This outcome highlights the strength and professionalism of the Sundowns administration. The board stood firm against pressure, successfully defending the club’s contractual rights on the international stage. Securing the return of such a dominant attacker makes Masandawana even more competitive ahead of the new campaign.
Fans, known as the Yellow Nation, are excited about the “Crown Jewel” coming back home. His rejoining strengthens the team’s attacking options and adds firepower to the squad.
The main debate now centres on his integration. Should the coaches start him immediately, or must he work hard in training to rebuild trust and prove his commitment after the previous fallout?
This successful legal battle and player return mark a smart administrative win for Sundowns. It turns a difficult chapter into a powerful comeback story for the club and its supporters.
