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Lucas Ribeiro, Cultural Leonesa, November 2025

Don't! Chiefs warned against signing Ribeiro - 'Let him fight against relegation'

Despite his controversial exit, it is undeniable that the Brazilian attacking midfielder left an indelible mark in the Premier Soccer League. The 2024/25 Player of the Season and the Golden Boot winner was a key figure as Masandawana went on to defend the league for the eighth time in a row. However, his exit drew a lot of attention as he forced his way out while Downs wanted to keep him longer.

'Ribeiro: From CWC to Chiefs? But ex-Downs stars don't succeed at Amakhosi!'

There have been questions about the future of the South American who had two successful seasons in the Premier Soccer League with Masandawana before his controversial exit. The versatile attacker's future is not guaranteed since he has just a couple of months before his current deal with Spanish lower-league outfit Cultural Leonesa.

Chiefs urged to go for ex-Sundowns star who is FREE

The Soweto giants have been missing an effective player to help the team in tight matches that need individual brilliance. However, that can be solved if the Glamour Boys can secure a high-profile signing of an experienced player who has already delivered in Mzansi when he was playing for the Brazilians two seasons ago.

Chiefs urged to sign Ribeiro as he 'could serve as a key figure similar to Mofokeng's role at Pirates'

The Brazilian attacker left Mamelodi Sundowns unceremoniously to pursue a move to Spain. However, his stay in Leonesa could prove short-lived as his current club faces the real threat of relegation to the third tier. With the season nearing its end, he may soon be forced to consider another move in search of top-flight football.

Nuno Santos, Mamelodi Sundowns, March 2026

Downs star answers critics who question his work rate - 'We are all different'

The Portuguese star is fast settling with the Tshwane giants and has made vital contributions, especially in the CAF Champions League. Given that this is his first season in the Premier Soccer League, the playmaker is still in the process of familiarising himself with the terrain of the competition. Despite what he has shown, some have criticised the 27-year-old, but he has answered them.

Lucas Ribeiro's Spanish dream turns sour as coach fired

Just three months ago, the 27-year-old was enjoying the acclaim of his performances with the Five-Star Player of the Month Award for November and talk of a possible big move being mooted. Since then, his Spanish club have gone on a run of no wins in 10 games, which has seen them drop into the relegation zone and announce the sacking of coach Jose Ziganda, the man who brought the reigning PSL Player of the Year to the club.

Can Saleng prove critics wrong after shocking move? - 'He can make a bigger name at Sundowns'

The winger's move from the Soweto giants to the Pretoria heavyweights was the biggest shocking move reported in the January transfer window. Given that some fans had seen the 27-year-old as an outcast after he was ostracised at Bucs, Masandawana still went on to sign him in an attempt to bolster their attacking department. The bigger question now is if the South African international can succeed with the defending league champions.

Scapegoats? Santos, Reisinho and Leon blamed for Sundowns CAF CL struggle - 'Africa weather is too hot for them'

In a bid to make themselves a competitive outfit in PSL and in Africa, Masandawana have always crossed the borders to bring on board players. Whereas some have come and left an impact, others have flopped despite high expectations that came with their arrival. In the off-season and mid-season transfer windows, Downs have followed the same script as they aim to collect more trophies.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa confirms transfer interest after winning first award in Spain

The 27-year-old produced a series of impressive displays in the Premier Soccer League during his time with Masandawana, from which he is now beginning to show at Spanish second-tier side Cultural Leonesa. Despite a slow start with his new club, he has attracted growing interest in recent weeks after finally finding his scoring touch and winning over the club's supporters.

PSL Player of the Season wins top award! Leonesa issue Ribeiro update amid Sundowns-FIFA case rumours

The 27-year-old former Masandawana versatile and creative attacker is finally getting it right in Europe, a couple of months after his controversial exit from the reigning champions of the South African top-flight football. The South American is proving to be a talent and might soon play in the Spanish top tier.

Santos shares reasons for joining the Brazilians

Masandawana attacking midfielder Nuno Santos shared his reasons for joining the lethal Sundowns squad in the Premier Soccer League, following their three–one triumph over FC Saint Eloi Lupopo — the same side that knocked out the mighty Orlando Pirates — in Saturday’s CAF Champions League group-stage clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The midfielder made a powerful statement, netting two goals and providing an assist for the Tshwane giants while donning the famous No. 10 jersey, with the third goal finished off by Marcelo Allende.

Mokwena and African teams warned that 'Sundowns are 50 % Brazilian and 50 % European'

Masandawana have been termed as one of the biggest teams in Africa, and their rivals have been told to be aware of how dangerous they are. Saint-Eloi Lupopo are one of the recent victims to suffer at the hands of the Pretoria heavyweights. After the 3-1 win against the DR Congo outfit, the Brazilians have been compared to European clubs.

Nuno Santos, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2025

Have Sundowns found Ribeiro's replacement in Santos and Reisinho? Cardoso tackles the big question

Masandawana were relatively quiet in the last transfer window, opting for minimal activity in the market. Of the four signings they made, the arrival of two Portuguese midfielders has generated the most anticipation and scrutiny. Both are expected to deliver at a higher level than their former Brazilian star who departed for Spain.

Ex-Sundowns star impressing in Spain! Athletic Bilbao icon lauds Ribeiro after scoring another La Liga 2 winner

The 27-year-old is making waves in Spain with his impressive performances for his second-tier club. He has continued with his growing hunger to get into the goal-scoring mix and make his mark in the league. While the Golden Boot remains a distant dream, he is promising to get himself into the mix should he continue with consistent displays. After parting ways with Sundowns unceremoniously, the attacker is showing why he was so keen for a move away from Chloorkop.

Ex-Downs attacker nominated for prestigious award alongside Arsenal star Rice & Barca's Yamal

The 27-year-old quality attacker made his name with the defending Premier Soccer League champions in the prestigious global club competition staged in the United States. He scored one of the best goals for the season as Masandawana collected four points, but narrowly missed making the knockout phase.

VIDEO: Look away, Sundowns! Ribeiro nets late winner in classic La Liga 2 showdown

The game was destined for a two-all draw before the former Masandawana forward scored to ensure his new club earned a win in a five-goal thriller. After shining in the Premier Soccer League, the star hopes to have a more successful stint in the Spanish second tier after a controversial separation from the Pretoria giants.

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Frequently asked questions

: Lionel Messi is a versatile attacker who has featured both through the middle and in a free role from the right, allowing him to cut inside on to his stronger left foot.
: Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, in Argentina on June 24, 1987.
: The Argentine maestro wears the number he has been known to don for the majority of his career, the No. 10, at MLS outfit Inter Miami.
: Lionel Messi is often among the shortest players on a football pitch, standing at just 1.70m (5ft 7in). However, it is due to his low center of gravity which has made him one of the most fearsome forces to be reckoned with in football history.
: Lionel Messi weighs 67kg (148 lbs), his low weight aiding him in gaining high bursts of acceleration and gliding past defenders as if they were never there.
: Lionel Messi began his journey in football with local club Grandoli at the age of four, in 1992, before joining the team he loved the most, Newell's Old Boys, at the age of six. He stayed with the Argentine club until 2000, when he made the switch to Barcelona.
: Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo have three sons: Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro.
: Lionel Messi is married to Argentine model and media personality Antonella Roccuzzo. The couple exchanged vows back in 2017.

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