Lucas Ribeiro terminates Mamelodi Sundowns contract, takes case to FIFA tribunal
Reigning PSL Player of the Year Lucas Ribeiro says he has terminated his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Image: Backpagepix
Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has confirmed the termination of his employment contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, effective 1 August 2025.
Ribeiro’s last appearance for the Pretoria-based club came at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he won acclaim for scoring the goal of the tournament, elevating his profile on the global stage.
Following his abrupt departure, Ribeiro has referred the matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal, seeking a ruling on the consequences of the contract termination. He maintains that he acted within his rights.
“I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal,” Ribeiro said in a statement.
The player is optimistic that recent judicial precedents, notably the landmark Lassana Diarra ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), will strengthen his position and allow him to continue his career unimpeded.
“My next employer will not be involved in the dispute between me and Mamelodi Sundowns FC — neither from a disciplinary perspective nor financially,” he stated, adding that personal stability, particularly for his family, played a key role in his decision.
Despite the club’s efforts to retain him — including the rejection of a lucrative transfer offer from Qatar SC that reportedly exceeded his market value — Ribeiro felt Sundowns' conduct obstructed his professional aspirations.
“The deal became impossible due to their unreasonable expectations,” he said. “They inflated the transfer price in a way that disregarded my career and personal situation.”
Ribeiro, who is represented by renowned sports lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont (of the Barcelona Bar), now intends to protect his interests through legal channels, including the FIFA Tribunal and, if necessary, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Looking ahead, the 26-year-old is considering offers from several clubs, particularly within the European Union, where he hopes to secure a fresh start and continued growth in his career.
“I’m focused on making decisions that further my development as a footballer while ensuring long-term stability for my family,” he concluded.