Lucas Ribeiro powered Mamelodi Sundowns to global prominence in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, eclipsing megastars Lionel Messi and Jamal Musiala with a jaw‑dropping individual display. The Brazilian creator dazzled in the United States, registering an assist against Ulsan HD before etching his name into tournament folklore.
67‑yard dash that left Dortmund reeling
When the group‑stage clash with Borussia Dortmund ignited, Ribeiro seized the spotlight. He collected the ball deep inside his own half, drove forward for an astonishing 67 yards, weaved past two yellow‑and‑black shirts and coolly tucked the finish beyond an outstretched Gregor Kobel. The goal opened a seven‑goal thriller that Dortmund eventually edged 4‑3, yet Ribeiro’s wonder strike stole every headline.
40,000 votes crown the Goal of the Tournament
Supporters flooded social media for a week‑long poll and delivered a landslide verdict. More than 40,000 devotees voted Ribeiro’s solo masterpiece the undisputed Goal of the Tournament, handing the Sundowns talisman the competition’s top honour.
“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.”
“I have good speed,” he added, “But not normally over a long distance. This was the difference for me scoring this goal.”
PSL awards beckon after a season with Sundowns
Ribeiro’s exploits extend beyond the global stage. Following a sensational 2024/25 domestic campaign for Mamelodi Sundowns, he has earned three PSL Award nominations:
PSL Footballer of the Season
Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season
Betway Premiership Goal of the Season
The awards ceremony lights up Tuesday, 29 July. And few doubt that Lucas Ribeiro, fresh from conquering the world, will stride in as the hot favourite.
Was Lucas Ribeiro’s goal better than Lionel Messi?
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