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Nuno Santos, Vitoria Guimaraes SC, September 2025Nuno Santos
Kiplagat Sang

OFFICIAL: Mamelodi Sundowns confirm the signing of 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship winner as Tshwane giants replace Lucas Ribeiro

Masandawana have finally confirmed the replacement for the Brazilian who severed ties with the club in a controversial manner as he forced an exit. The new signing arrives on the transfer deadline day amid high expectations from Downs' supporters.

  • Santos arrives

    Defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have announced the signing of former Benfica and Portugal youth international from Vitoria Guimaraes SC.  

    The Tshwane giants have confirmed the announcement just hours before the PSL transfer window shuts.  

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  • Star unveiled

    See how Sundowns unveiled their new signing. 

  • Nuno Santos, Vitoria Guimaraes SC, September 2025Nuno Santos

    Who is Santos?

    Mamelodi Sundowns and Vitoria Guimaraes SC are understood to have agreed on a R20 million deal that saw the forward move to Pretoria.  

    The playmaker was part of the Portugal junior national teams, and he won the 2018 under-19 UEFA European Championship. 

    He is a former FC Porto academy player and has also represented his country from the U16 to U21 sides, but he is yet to feature for the senior national team, Selecao. 

  • Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi Sundowns Backpage

    What awaits Santos at Sundowns?

    Santos has been brought on board as a direct replacement for Ribeiro, who controversially terminated his contract and joined Spanish club Cultural Leonesa. 

    Ribeiro had a successful stint at Masandawana, playing crucial roles as the club won the 2023/24 and the 2024/25 PSL titles.

    Last season, he was named the PSL Player of the Season and was also the league's top scorer with 16 goals.

    At the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup finals, he shone and won the Goal of the Tournament. 

    As he arrives in Pretoria, Santos has a huge void to fill, but must first work hard to break into Miguel Cardoso's starting XI.