Latest news with #Ribeiro
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Why Lucas Ribeiro shouldn't be naturalised for Bafana Bafana
He just needs a move to a big European league and he will definitely be in the Seleção conversation. Lucas Ribeiro #10 of Mamelodi Sundowns FC scores his team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group F match against Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium on June 21 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo: Dylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP Lucas Ribeiro's wonder goal against Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup which was later named Goal of the Tournament has reinforced what many already believe. The Brazilian attacker is operating on another level and should not be naturalised to play for South Africa. The Sundowns star collected the ball deep inside his own half, went past two Dortmund defenders, and coolly slotted it beyond Gregor Kobel. The world applauded, but South African fans were not surprised because they've seen it before. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Ribeiro wins Club World Cup goal of the tournament That goal mirrored his solo strike against Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld. It was the same surging run, the same composure, the same clinical finish. Only this time, the world was watching and the moment of genius will be talked about for years to come. Ribeiro has shown at the highest level that he has the quality to compete with the best. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The 26-year-old is good enough for the Brazilian national team. His overall display at the global showpiece in the United States proved as much. He just needs a move to a big European league and he will definitely be in the Seleção conversation. In the PSL, he simply looks a class above the rest. He glides past defenders as though they aren't there. At times, it genuinely feels like he's playing with children, that's how good he is. In fact, there's nothing for him to prove in the PSL anymore and the only natural progression would be to seek greener pastures. Of course, Bafana would benefit from a player of Ribeiro's calibre, but the country's proud footballing heritage and historical background dictates that home grown players should be prioritised to represent the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winners. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso reacts to being honoured in Portugal Brazil may be stacked with attacking talent like Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, Neymar, Cunha and Raphinha, but Ribeiro is arguably a better all-round player than Manchester United outcast Antony. Ribeiro's story is far from over. A move to Europe could well be next, and with it, a chance to realise his dream of representing Brazil.
Ammon
2 days ago
- Sport
- Ammon
Ahly ban star striker Abou Ali from training camp
Ammon News - Star striker Wessam Abou Ali from Egyptian club Al Ahly has shunned pre-season medical checks and skipped training in a row reportedly linked to his desire for a transfer from the Cairo club. In other African football news, Brazil-born Mamelodi Sundowns striker Lucas Ribeiro has been nominated for several end-of-season South African awards. A rift has developed between Abou Ali, one of only two scorers of a hat-trick at the 2025 Club World Cup, and record 12-time African champions Al Ahly. It has led to recently appointed Spanish coach Jose Riveiro excluding the Denmark-born Palestine international from a pre-season camp in Tunisia. While Abou Ali wants to leave the Red Devils, no interested club has matched the reported selling price of $12 million (€10.3 mn) set by the record 12-time African champions. Ribeiro is among three nominees for the footballer of the season and players' player of the season awards in South Africa, with the winners to be named on July 29. His rivals in both categories are two other forwards, Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates and Keletso Makgalwa from Sekhukhune United. Ribeiro, 26, joined champions Sundowns from Belgian club Beveren in 2023 and scored an outstanding goal against Borussia Dortmund at the recent Club World Cup in the United States. Five-time African champions TP Mazembe have successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the premature conclusion of the Democratic Republic of Congo national league season. League officials in the central African country declared the campaign over after 16 of the scheduled 22 matchdays, with Eagles topping the table, five points ahead of fifth-placed Mazembe. The CAS decision means the remaining six rounds must be played renewing the chances of Mazembe securing a top-two finish and qualification for the lucrative CAF Champions League. Al Merrikh edged Al Amal Atbara 1-0 and Al Hilal hammered Al Merrikh Obeid 5-0 to remain first and second respectively with one round left in the Sudan Elite League play-offs. The mini-league, in which each club plays seven others, is being staged in the northeast of a country where the national army have been battling a paramilitary force in a civil war since 2023. Merrikh hold a one-point lead over record 30-time Sudanese champions Hilal, who are above Al Ahly Madani and Al Zamala Ruwaba on goal difference. Veteran former Wydad Casablanca midfielder Yahya Jabrane has rejoined the club after one season with Kuwait Sports Club. The 34-year-old was a key figure when the Casablanca outfit won a third CAF Champions League title by defeating Al Ahly in the 2021/22 final.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns' Lucas Ribeiro wins Fifa Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament
Mamelodi Sundowns star striker Lucas Ribeiro was crowned the inaugural winner of the Goal of the Tournament at the recently concluded Fifa Club World Cup in the US. Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns star striker Lucas Ribeiro was crowned the inaugural winner of the 'Goal of the Tournament' at the recently concluded Fifa Club World Cup in the US. The accolade for Ribeiro's goal highlights a competitive selection process. He surpassed prestigious contenders, including a striking free-kick from football icon Lionel Messi against FC Porto and a stunning effort from João Pedro that helped Chelsea secure a 2-0 victory over Fluminense. Fifa's announcement confirmed that Ribeiro's goal not only dazzled supporters but also earned rightful recognition in a field of football's elite. The Brazilian-born player showcased his prowess on a grand stage, capturing the hearts of over 40 000 fans who voted for his goal after an extraordinary 47-yard run against Borussia Dortmund. Sundowns could not contain their excitement and declared on social media: 'A piece of #FIFACWC history that will live long in the memory!' In his skilful solo effort, Ribeiro displayed incredible pace and determination, evading the challenges of two defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. "I am always confident. I'm happy to have scored the goal," Ribeiro told "The moment I turned with the ball, I said, 'okay, let me go, let me put the ball in the space.' I'm happy with the goal, but the most important thing is that the team performed well." The goal has now been recognised as a standout moment among the 63 matches of the tournament. As he celebrates this achievement, Ribeiro is also in contention for further accolades in the upcoming weeks. Having already earned the Golden Boot for the season, he has been nominated for both the PSL Footballer of the Season and the Players' Player of the Season awards, further solidifying his status as a rising star in South African football. As football fans approach the new season, one thing is clear: Lucas Ribeiro is a name to watch.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Lucas Ribeiro's solo stunner named Club World Cup goal of the tournament
Wonder strike Lucas Ribeiro's wonder goal against Borussia Dortmund has been voted as the best goal at the recently completed FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Photo:/AFP Lucas Ribeiro's solo goal in Mamelodi Sundowns' Club World Cup game against German giants Borussia Dortmund has been named the best goal of the tournament. In Sundowns' 4-3 loss to the Germans, Ribeiro picked up the ball in his own half, slalomed his way past a number of defenders, and scored past Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to give the South Africans a shock early lead. Sundowns' performance, despite the loss, was hailed around the world, with Ribeiro coming in for special praise for his impressive strike. The goal was one of ten shortlisted by FIFA after the tournament, and the decision to name it the tournament's best was taken after a vote by fans.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Ribeiro wins Club World Cup goal of the tournament
It was an amazing individual effort that has lived long in the minds of FIFA Club World Cup 2025 fans. Lucas Ribeiro #10 of Mamelodi Sundowns FC scores his team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group F match against Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium on June 21 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo: Dylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP Lucas Ribeiro Costa's goal against Borussia Dortmund has been voted the Goal of the Tournament of the FIFA Club World Cup, beating the likes of Lionel Messi, Jamal Musiala, Joao Pedro. Ribeiro picked the ball up inside his own half and went on an incredible 67-yard run past two Borussia Dortmund defenders before slotting home past and outstretched Gregor Kobel. ALSO READ: Cardoso grateful to Sundowns and staff after PSL nomination The Brazilian opened the scoring for Sundowns in a thrilling seven-goal group stage encounter. However, Dortmund ultimately prevailed with a 4-3 victory in one of the tournament's most thrilling matches. It was an amazing individual effort that has lived long in the minds of FIFA Club World Cup 2025 fans. 'I am always confident. I'm very happy to have scored the goal,' said Ribeiro. 'The moment I turned with the ball, I said, 'OK, let me go, let me put the ball in the space.' I'm happy with the goal, but the most important thing is that the team played well.' ALSO READ: Nkota: Ettifaq move is a 'dream come true' 'I have good speed. But not normally over a long distance. This was the difference for me scoring this goal,' added Ribeiro. The Sundowns star's long-range run beat out the likes of Kenan Yildiz outside the box screamer against Wydad AC, Lionel Messi's free-kick finish against FC Porto and Joao Pedro's stunner against Fluminense FC.
