Mamelodi Sundowns star Ribeiro Costa makes honest admission when discussing chances of playing for Brazil -'There are high quality players'

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has acknowledged that he is unlikely to be selected by Brazil's coach Dorival Junior to join the squad.

Although the 26-year-old star is widely considered one of the top players in the Premier Soccer League, he has not received a call-up to join the Brazil national football team.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, along with Barcelona's Raphinha, are some of the world's finest players on the Brazil team. They cover positions that Ribeiro is skilled at playing.

Consequently, Ribeiro openly shared his sincere thoughts regarding the likelihood of receiving acknowledgment from Brazil's technical team, citing the quality of players the team possesses. 

"Firstly, I am super happy and liberated when I play because I have been given the freedom to express myself and that makes me happy. It makes me play freely and emotionally happy," Ribeiro told the media.

"The perspective of playing for the Brazil national team is a different story. It is also difficult because you know the qualities of the national team players playing for Brazil are high level.

"But if one gets the opportunity, that would also be a life-changing opportunity. But where I’m at I’m playing freely and enjoying South Africa and South African football. I’m playing with joy which is very key and vital for every player to play football happily," he added.

"I am at that level of being happy and demonstrating and reflecting on my qualities also with the help of my teammates and the advice they give me. It also plays a huge role for me to be happy here. When it comes to the national team it is something that will be a big plus."

Ribeiro has truly excelled for Sundowns since he joined the team from the Belgian club SK Beveren in July 2023. He successfully netted a total of 23 goals and also managed to contribute with 13 assists across 49 matches.

With Brazil's tactician Junior appearing to overlook him, the left-footed player has recently expressed his desire to join Bafana Bafana under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos.

Nevertheless, while Ribeiro aspires to represent SA, he will only become a permanent resident of South Africa in 2028, as he hasn't spent five years in the country. 

Ribeiro has never represented Brazil at any level. He will continue honing his skills on the field with the aspiration of catching the attention of the Brazil national team coaches in the future. 

For now, the tricky attacker will be aiming to help Sundowns overcome Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final scheduled for Saturday, November 23.