“Mamelodi Sundowns Want To Destroy My Football Career” — Lucas Ribeiro Finally Speak Out Amid Threat

Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has accused Mamelodi Sundowns of deliberately inflating his transfer valuation and blocking moves abroad in a dispute that has escalated into a multi-million-dollar legal battle before FIFA.

Ribeiro, 26, terminated his contract with the South African champions in August 2025, claiming just cause after the club allegedly rejected lucrative offers from Qatar and Europe. The reigning PSL Player of the Season argued that Sundowns “attempted to drive up the price, again and again, in an unreasonable manner, without any regard for the player’s personal interests”.

Speaking about the stalled negotiations, Ribeiro said the club’s stance had left him feeling as though his career aspirations were being disregarded.

“They inflated the transfer price in a way that disregarded my career and personal situation,” he stated.

Ribeiro’s legal challenge is being led by prominent Belgian sports lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, who represented Jean-Marc Bosman in the landmark 1995 ruling and has also advised Lassana Diarra. Ribeiro’s case seeks to benefit from the Court of Justice of the European Union’s Diarra judgment, which found certain FIFA transfer rules incompatible with EU law.

“Following the Diarra ruling, there is no doubt that the dispute between me and my former club will not prevent me from continuing my career with peace of mind,” Ribeiro said.

Sundowns, however, rejected the termination, insisting Ribeiro remained contractually bound until 2028. The club maintained its position on the validity of the contract, setting the stage for FIFA’s Football Tribunal to rule on the matter.

Reports indicate FIFA has since ordered Ribeiro to pay approximately US$4 million (over R70 million) in compensation to Sundowns, with a 45-day deadline to comply or face potential registration bans.

The ongoing legal uncertainty has already disrupted Ribeiro’s career. A proposed move to Libyan club Al Ittihad Tripoli was placed on hold in June 2026 as the club sought clarity from FIFA regarding Ribeiro’s contractual status.

Ribeiro, who joined Sundowns in 2023 from Belgian side SK Beveren, enjoyed a standout 2024/25 campaign. He was named PSL Footballer of the Season and his goal against Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup was voted the best of the tournament.

Sundowns have yet to issue a formal public response to Ribeiro’s latest remarks. The club has previously indicated its commitment to protecting its contractual interests.

Source:https://x.com/patriot_s_a/status/2106612747098054874?s=46

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