PSL Footballer of the Season, PSL top goalscorer and Player of the Season Lucas Ribeiro needs to pack his bags and leave Mamelodi Sundowns if he wants to play for Brazil

When Lucas Ribeiro arrived in South Africa from the lower leagues of Europe, few would have predicted the impact he was about to make. Like many players who drift in from overseas, expectations were modest. After all, the PSL has seen its fair share of imports who fail to catch fire - Joris Delle’s stint at Orlando Pirates being a prime example.

But Ribeiro broke the mould. Having spent his formative footballing years in Belgium, he adapted quickly to life at Mamelodi Sundowns, proving that with the right system and the right support, he could shine - and shine he did. The team played to his strengths, and he thrived as the star of the show. It’s now clear that the next step in his career should be a move to a club where he remains the focal point - a team ready to build around his talents.

From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, it was clear Lucas Ribeiro was destined for something special. Dominating the PSL like a seasoned veteran, he quickly rose above the pack, clinching the Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards with ease.

No one came close. With a league-best tally of 16 goals and nine assists, Ribeiro didn’t just score - he orchestrated, dazzled, and destroyed defenses week in, week out. Little wonder he's now on the radar of several clubs abroad; Ribeiro didn’t just arrive - he conquered.

Ribeiro’s brilliance wasn’t confined to domestic competition. He was one of Sundowns’ standout stars at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he etched his name into global conversation with a jaw-dropping solo goal that earned him the Goal of the Tournament. That moment alone turned heads, but his overall performance showcased a player ready for a bigger stage.

Enter Fluminense - one of Brazil’s footballing powerhouses, now reportedly keen on the 26-year-old. A move to a top-tier Brazilian side wouldn’t just elevate his career; it could put him in the frame for a call-up to the Selecão. For Ribeiro, it’s a golden opportunity to return home in glory and chase even bigger dreams.

While interest in Ribeiro is growing abroad, it’s no surprise that African giants like Al Ahly and Pyramids have also shown interest. But if Al Ahly think Sundowns would sell their crown jewel to a direct CAF Champions League rival, they might want to think again. It would be unthinkable for the reigning PSL champions to hand over their most influential player to a continental rival - especially one they frequently clash with on the African stage.

The Gastón Sirino saga serves as a cautionary tale; the Uruguayan was once in Al Ahly’s sights too, and the turbulence that followed is something Ribeiro would do well to avoid as he asked to leave the club. If Al Ahly are serious, they may need to look elsewhere - this door should remain firmly closed. He would be better suited at Pyramids, but they took are Sundowns now rivals after the rich Egyptians denied Downs the Champions League title.

Breaking into the Brazilian national team is no small feat. It's a side blessed with generational talents - players like Gabriel Jesus, Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Endrick, and, of course, Neymar. Yet, with every goal, every assist, and every moment of magic, Ribeiro is quietly inserting himself into the conversation.

He may not be wearing the iconic yellow jersey yet, but under the watchful eye of Carlo Ancelotti, he might just be on the radar. If he continues on this trajectory, it’s not far-fetched to imagine Ribeiro earning that coveted call-up. The dream of playing for Brazil isn’t just alive - it’s edging closer to reality.

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