Sundowns Transfer News: Done! Ribeiro bids Masandawana farewell

Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro has confirmed his exit from the defending Premier Soccer league champions.

The 26-year-old took Mzansi by storm when he joined in the 2023/24 season, establishing himself as the club's main man in attack. However, he seemed determined for another challenge following his success in Mzansi where he won two PSL titles and the African Football League. 

Last season, he also helped the team reach the CAF Champions League final but narrowly lost to Pyramids, before shining in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup recently held in the United States.

Apart from the Egyptian outfit, Pyramid, Flamengo, and Qatar SC wanted to sign the versatile attacker, but Masandawana were not ready to let him leave. Nevertheless, it seems the South American has eventually been granted his wish after posting his farewell message on social media.

Ribeiro is gone!

“From the very first day I arrived, I gave my all, on and off the field, to earn my place and proudly defend Mamelodi Sundowns. These past two years have been incredible, full of emotions. I have learned so much from this beautiful culture—not only to become a better player, but also a better human being,” he wrote on his Instagram account.

“To my wonderful Masandawana supporters, first of all, thank you for everything. I want you to know that your support and love meant so much to me, and I will never forget you. I will always carry in my heart the memories of the emotions I lived, the goals, the assists, the trophies, and the magical nights with you that made me feel at home. I wish I could have said goodbye in a better way, but please know that my love for you is endless.

“I am grateful to all the coaches who were part of this beautiful story—I will always appreciate each of you. To my teammates, my second family, thank you for every battle, every title won, every smile, and every moment we shared together. You will always be my brothers, and I will miss you so much.

“Playing for Sundowns and living this beautiful culture has been such a great honor for me. I will truly miss it; thank you, South Africa. Thank you, Mamelodi Sundowns, for everything, with much love, Ribeiro,” he concluded.