Lucas Ribeiro Costa: Transfer Dispute, Salary & Sundowns Future

Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s name has dominated South African football searches. Fans want to know why the Mamelodi Sundowns forward, who lit up the 2024-25 season with goals and trophies, has suddenly disappeared. Transfer rumours, injury scares, and salary speculation have all contributed to the frenzy.

Transfer rumours and a legal fight

At the heart of the buzz is a contract dispute. On 1 August 2025, Ribeiro terminated his contract with Sundowns and referred the matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal. According to a statement shared by KickOff, he claims “just cause” to leave and cites European Court of Justice precedent. He alleges that Sundowns rejected a lucrative offer from Qatar SC, demanding a fee far above his market value and thereby blocking his career move. The Brazilian club Fluminense also expressed interest, but Ribeiro is reportedly leaning towards the Qatari Stars League.

An iDiski Times report confirms that Qatar SC tabled an official offer. Sources say the salary package on offer from Doha clubs far exceeds what Ribeiro could earn in Brazil; Al Duhail are also monitoring him. Since joining Sundowns in 2023, Ribeiro has scored 37 goals and provided 23 assists in 88 games. His market value on Transfermarkt is about €2.5 million (≈R50 million), yet Sundowns allegedly priced him higher than that, prompting his contract termination. Ribeiro’s agent, renowned sports lawyer Jean‑Louis Dupont, has vowed to fight the case at the FIFA Tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport

Sundowns have not publicly agreed to release Ribeiro. Coach Miguel Cardoso has stayed tight‑lipped, telling reporters that no player can be a direct replacement for another and that fans should not compare new signing Arthur Sales to Ribeiro. Cardoso said he won’t comment on Ribeiro’s absence but that “in the proper time, we will know everything that has happened with him”. Until FIFA rules, the striker remains a Sundowns player.

Injury updates: not as serious as feared

In May 2024, Ribeiro limped off during a 0‑0 draw against Golden Arrows. Coach Rulani Mokwena blamed congested fixtures and insisted the injury was not serious. He has since recovered, and his current absence is due to contractual issues rather than fitness. There are no reports of fresh injuries, but his lack of game time in the 2025–26 season has fuelled speculation.

Salary, contract & lifestyle

Ribeiro joined Sundowns on 6 July 2023, and his contract was meant to run until 30 June 2028. Local reports suggest he is one of the highest‑paid players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). According to Briefly.co.za, he earns between R700,000 and R1 million per month, making him the club’s top earner. That figure eclipses many PSL stars and explains why Qatari clubs are prepared to offer even bigger salaries.

Off the field, Ribeiro keeps a low profile. He is 26 years old, married, and comes from Santa Helena, Brazil, but he rarely discusses his family. There is little verified information about his wife or children, despite fans’ curiosity. He appears more comfortable sharing football highlights and training sessions on social media than details of his personal life.

Current role and importance at Sundowns

On the pitch, Ribeiro plays mainly as a second striker, drifting between the lines, linking play and finishing moves. Standing 1.81 m tall and left‑footed, he combines Brazilian flair with tactical discipline. He quickly became Sundowns’ talisman, finishing the 2024–25 season as the PSL Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Golden Boot winner, and Goal of the Season. He even won the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament for a spectacular solo effort against Borussia Dortmund

Ribeiro plays as a second striker, left-footed, 1.81 m tall, blending Brazilian flair with tactical discipline.

Achievements in the 2024-25 season:

• PSL Footballer of the Season

• Players’ Player of the Season

• Golden Boot winner

• Goal of the Season

• FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament (vs Borussia Dortmund)

Despite his absence, coach Cardoso says Ribeiro remains central to his plans.

Coach Cardoso still considers Ribeiro central to his plans, insisting that new signing Arthur Sales cannot replicate his unique skill set. However, with Ribeiro off the training pitch and exploring moves abroad, Sundowns have had to rely on Peter Shalulile, Thembinkosi Lorch, and other forwards. The club’s attack has been less fluid without their Brazilian playmaker.

Performance stats and future prospects

In the 2024–25 PSL season, Ribeiro scored 16 league goals and nine assists in 26 matches, according to FootyStats. Across all competitions, he registered 18 goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances, helping Sundowns win the league and reach the semi‑finals of the CAF Champions League. His market value has doubled since arriving in South Africa, rising from around €1.3 million to €2.5 million, reflecting his impact and potential.

Stats and Prospects

• 2024–25 PSL: 16 goals + 9 assists in 26 matches

• All comps: 18 goals + 11 assists in 44 matches

• Helped Sundowns win the league and reach CAF Champions League semi-finals

• Market value doubled from €1.3m → €2.5m since arriving

Ribeiro could become a Sundowns legend if he stays and honours his contract. Yet his ambition to test himself in Europe or the Middle East means fans must brace for his departure. If the FIFA Tribunal rules in his favour, he would be free to sign with another club without Sundowns’ consent. European sides in Portugal and Belgium are reportedly monitoring him, as are Qatari outfits. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on personal considerations; Ribeiro has said that “my next employer will be chosen on what is best for my career and my family.”

Conclusion: balancing hope and reality

Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s saga captures the tension between ambition and loyalty. On one hand, he remains under contract with Mamelodi Sundowns until 2028, is adored by fans, and has achieved legendary status in only two seasons. On the other hand, he believes the club stalled his move abroad and has launched a legal battle to leave. As the case heads to the FIFA Tribunal, Sundowns supporters hope for a resolution that keeps their star in yellow and green. For now, the rumours will continue to swirl

Quick Facts: Lucas Ribeiro Costa

• Age: 26

• Height: 1.81 m

• Position: Second striker

• Sundowns debut: July 2023

• Market value: €2.5m

• Major 2024-25 awards: Footballer of the Season, Golden Boot

• Contract status: Terminated, case at FIFA Tribunal