Ribeiro Costa Signs with Spanish Segunda División Club
The Spanish second-tier club Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa has confirmed the signing of prominent forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Costa, who excelled with Sundowns last season by clinching both the PSL Top Goalscorer and PSL Footballer of the Season honors, was eager to make the move.
The Brazilian claimed that Sundowns hindered his transfer prospects following his impressive showing at the Club World Cup. He stated that he ended his contract and sought FIFA’s assistance to facilitate his exit. On Tuesday, Costa expressed his gratitude to Sundowns in a statement after completing a two-season tenure with the club, having signed on at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Costa gained global acclaim in June for his remarkable solo goal against Borussia Dortmund during the Club World Cup. He embarked on his run from midfield, displaying exceptional strength and speed to overcome numerous defenders before scoring. This achievement earned him the title of Goal of the Tournament.
Club Announcement and Career Highlights
“Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa has successfully agreed with Lucas Ribeiro for his transfer to the club,” stated the official announcement.
“Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Saint Helena, 09/10/1998) is an attacking player with experience in Brazil, France, and Belgium. He was recently with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns FC. Costa joins León as a free agent on a one-season contract. We at Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa extend a warm welcome to Lucas Ribeiro and wish him the best of luck in his new journey in León.”
Currently, Sundowns has not officially recognized Costa’s departure. During his stint with the club, he secured two league titles and the African Football League, contributing 37 goals and 23 assists in 88 matches across all competitions.
