Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa is officially a free agent after the expirty of his short-term deal with Spanish club Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.
The Brazilian forward joined the second-tier side for the 2025/26 season under controversial circumstances after terminating his contract with Sundowns, citing ‘just cause’ via the FIFA tribunal. alleging they blocked potential moves for lucrative career opportunities with an inflated transfer valuation.
Citing the Diarra Ruling, he’s been represented by the Dupont Hissel law-firm that was at the forefront of the ‘Bosman Ruling’ being implemented by FIFA – and the Ribeiro case, if won, could set another major precedent in the future of global professional football.
While it appeared the club, who has close ties with Qatar SC, another outfit Ribeiro was linked with, would be a pit stop, it’s been a decision to forget as he suffered relegation with to the third tier and now looks poised to make a move to Libya with Al Ittihad Tripoli – where he could reunite with his former Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena.
The 27-year-old won the PSL Golden Boot, Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament during his time with Sundowns.
Overall he netted 37 goals with 22 assists in 88 games, emerging as one of the most fearsome attackers on the African continent.