Sundowns Star Clinches Top FIFA CWC Award
Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Lucas Ribeiro Costa has scooped a major award at the recently concluded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, beating the likes of Argentinian star Lionel Messi and German wonderkid Jamal Musiala.
The 26-year-old Brazilian star was crucial to Masandawana’s campaign, providing an assist in the opening game against South Korean champions Ulsan HD, but his moment of brilliance came against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Ribeiro collected the ball from his half, left two Dortmund defenders for dead before calmly slotting home past Gregor Kobel in goal. However, the German side emerged as 4-3 victors in what was a thrilling game in the global showpiece.
As a result, the Sundowns star was nominated for the FIFA Club World Cup goal of the tournament and ultimately won the coveted award after garnering over 40,000 votes following weeks of online voting.
While he was recognized on an international stage, Ribeiro is also in contention for the PSL Footballer of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season awards in the South African top-flight division, where he is up against Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng and rejuvenated Sekhukhune United winger Keletso Makgalwa.
The Tshwane giants’ go-to man finished the Betway premiership season as a top goal scorer. Overall, he scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists on the domestic scene, with big game performances against Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in the league.
Moreover, Ribeiro is also in the running for the Betway Premiership goal of the season honour with yet another impressive solo goal in a 4-1 statement win against then-title challengers, Pirates, back in February this year.
The eye-catching individual achievements are said to have sparked a widespread interest from Turkish Superlig outfit Trabzonspor, Qatar SC from the Qatar Stars League, and Brazilian sides Cruzeiro and Fluminense. However, no move has been sanctioned at this stage.
