Sundowns Exploring Shock Ribeiro Return

Mamelodi Sundowns explored the possibility of a sensational reunion with Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who became a free agent after his short-term deal with the Spanish Segunda División side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa expired at the end of June. Leonesa confirmed Ribeiro as one of 14 players leaving the club following their relegation to the Spanish third tier, praising him for his professionalism and dedication during his time in León.

The Brazilian playmaker made 31 appearances for Leonesa in a challenging debut campaign, scoring six goals and registering two assists before a significant squad overhaul at the season's end. Ribeiro's path to Spain had been mired in controversy, as he terminated his Sundowns contract—originally set to last until 2028—in August last year. His representatives at Belgian law firm Dupont-Hissel employed the Diarra ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union to argue for his right to depart and secure an International Transfer Certificate without Sundowns' consent.

Initially, Sundowns and the South African Football Association opposed the issuance of the certificate, but FIFA ultimately granted it, allowing Ribeiro to sign for Leonesa on August 31. At that time, FIFA's press communication noted that the merits of Ribeiro's dispute with Sundowns would still be heard by the FIFA Football Tribunal, which could take one to two years to resolve.

Reports earlier this year indicated that the outstanding tribunal case complicated Ribeiro's transfer options, with Libyan club Al Ittihad reportedly pausing negotiations until his legal status was clarified.

Ribeiro's tenure at Sundowns set the standard for any European return assessment. He made 88 appearances after joining from Belgian side Beveren in 2023, scoring 37 goals and providing 23 assists, and earning awards for PSL Golden Boot, Footballer of the Season, and Players' Player of the Season. His goal against Borussia Dortmund at last year's FIFA Club World Cup also earned him the Goal of the Tournament honor.

Replicating that form in Spain proved challenging, as Leonesa suffered a mixed campaign resulting in relegation, although Ribeiro did enjoy a late-season spike in performance, winning a Player of the Month award in November amidst rising interest from clubs including Raja Casablanca. He opted for a measured public stance, indicating that decisions regarding his future would be left to his agent while focusing on Leonesa's survival efforts.

With his contract now lapsed, Ribeiro returned to Brazil, where he remained active organizing a community tournament in his hometown of Santa Helena. His next move is uncertain, with Al Ittihad Tripoli, where he could reunite with former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, being reported as a frontrunner, along with interest from Esperance Sportive de Tunis and various clubs in Egypt. A return to Sundowns would signify a significant turnaround given the contentious nature of his departure in 2025 and could attract scrutiny due to the pending tribunal case between the two parties. While Sundowns have not publicly commented on renewed interest in Ribeiro, sources indicate that the potential for his return remains on the table, with the player reportedly open to the idea given the current ambiguity surrounding his future amid clubs' hesitance to invest due to ongoing legal disputes.