Lucas Ribeiro Costa Terminates Sundowns Contract, Heads to FIFA Tribunal

Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa has officially terminated his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns and referred the matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal. The announcement comes amid links to a potential move to Qatar SC, though no formal club-to-club agreement has been reached.

Ribeiro, who impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup and earned the tournament’s best goal award, has been a target for multiple clubs following his performances. According to attorney Jean-Louis Dupont, who represents the player, Ribeiro ended his contract with Sundowns on 1 August 2025.

“Lucas Ribeiro Costa, a professional football player of Brazilian nationality, announces that he has terminated his employment contract with the South-African club Mamelodi Sundowns FC on 1 August 2025,” the statement reads.

Ribeiro explained his decision in the statement, citing just cause for contract termination and referencing the Diarra ruling by the CJEU, which ensures that his future career will not be hindered by the dispute.

“I believe that I have just cause to terminate my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which I will explain before the FIFA Football Tribunal. Following the Diarra ruling, there is no doubt that the dispute will not prevent me from continuing my career with peace of mind,” Ribeiro said.

He added that he has received interest from multiple clubs, including European teams, and will carefully consider his next steps to further his career.

The statement also revealed that Qatar SC had made a substantial transfer offer for Ribeiro, reportedly above his market valuation, but Sundowns repeatedly sought to raise the price, blocking the deal.

“Qatar SC had sent Mamelodi Sundowns a particularly generous transfer offer for Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who wanted to join the Qatari club. However, Mamelodi Sundowns attempted to drive up the price in an unreasonable manner, without regard for the player’s interests, making the deal impossible. Lucas Ribeiro Costa now has no other choice but to defend his legitimate interests in the FIFA Tribunal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and possibly in any competent State Court,” the statement added.

Ribeiro’s next move will depend on the outcome of the FIFA proceedings, as he seeks to secure his future while resolving the dispute with Sundowns.