Latest news with #GoaloftheTournament
The Citizen
2 days 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.
IOL News
4 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.
The Citizen
5 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.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Lucas Ribeiro 67‑yard solo stunner beats Lionel Messi
Lucas Ribeiro while at Mamelodi Sundowns Image via @MamelodiSundowns on X 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. ADVERTISEMENT '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 ADVERTISEMENT 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? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
