Brayan Leon: Why Sundowns’ R65 million man could be perfect Ribeiro replacement

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Brayan Leon: Why Sundowns’ R65 million man could be perfect Ribeiro replacement
Brayan Leon who has signed for Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns seem to have found the perfect replacement for Lucas Ribeiro following the signing of Colombian striker Brayan Leon.

Leon is the latest South American lured to Chloorkop after Sundowns shelled out nearly R65 million in a total package to sign him from Colombian side Independiente Medellín.

The 21-year-old striker is set to add firepower to a Sundowns attack already loaded with top forwards in Iqraam Rayners, Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba.

However, after paying such a huge fee, ($3.5 million), Leon is not coming to Sundowns to sit on the bench and the aforementioned will now have to worry about their places in the team.

Leon had an impressive goal contribution

What will delight Sundowns fans, however, is what he the new striker brings to the team. Leon is not just a goal scorer but is also a great creator, something that will remind many of Ribeiro.

The Brazilian, last season’s PSL Player of the Year and top scorer, was adept at creating chances while also lethal himself and the numbers suggest Leon could be the man to replace him.

In 2025, Leon had 20-goal contributions in 40 games, having scored 13 goals while weighing in with seven assists for Independiente Medellin.

His talents were also on show during Independiente Medellín’s run to the Copa Sudamericana (equivalent of CAF Confederation Cup) quarter-final in 2024, when he scored six goals and provided three assists.

Can the Colombian fire Sundowns to success?

Brayan Leon of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Such a contribution for Sundowns in the CAF Champions League or in the PSL will get Miguel Cardoso’s team closer to a perfect double, which they are keen to win this season.

Sundowns ended 2025 in an unfamiliar second position on the PSL table with 26 points from 13 games, two behind leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played one match less.

Club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe promised to respond by strengthening the squad ahead of the second leg and he has put his money where his mouth is with the massive acquisition of Leon.

Leon is the fifth player signed by Sundowns this season, joining Portuguese midfielders Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, left-back Fawaaz Basadien and midfielder Katlego Ntsabeleng who all joined the club before the campaign started.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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