Mamelodi Sundowns’ winger Lucas Ribeiro not only won the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament but also inscribed his name into football history. According to FIFA, his stunning goal against Borussia Dortmund was one of ten chosen for fan voting after the tournament and won with over 40,000 votes worldwide.
What garnered the most attention was that his goal outshone the most famous player in the world, Lionel Messi, making it the standout.
Stunning Goal by Lucas Ribeiro Tops Global Fan Poll
Ribeiro ironically took the ball on his half, carrying it 67 yards, evading several defenders, and he scored a goal for Mamelodi Sundowns against Borussia Dortmund, in a group match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This early goal gave MSD the lead in a thrilling match that ended 4-3 in Dortmund’s win.
SUGGESTED READ: PSG Meltdown Mars Chelsea’s Trophy Win
After the match, the twenty-six-year-old said, “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, but not normally over a long distance. This was the difference for me scoring this goal.”
The goal became one of the ten goal moments chosen by FIFA for fan voting after the tournament, eventually, Ribeiro’s goal taking the top honor, over 40,000 global votes, beating Lionel Messi, João Pedro, and Kenan Yildiz.
Although Sundowns could not win over Borussia Dortmund, this recognition has helped Ribeiro’s reputation skyrocket, attracting interest from international clubs.
Lucas Ribeiro’s Career Timeline: Rising Talent to Football’s New Sensation
Lucas Ribeiro Costa, a native of Santa Helena, Brazil native, is one of the prominent players in the South African Premier League.
Talking about his early career, Ribeiro started with the Brazilian sports club, Pinheiros, founded by German immigrants. He later moved to France to join Valenciennes in 2017. Following a season-long stint in the youth system, he was promoted to the senior team in 2018, but did not appear in any games.
For the 2019-2020 season, he signed to Belgian club Virton, where he ultimately made his professional debut on 27th October 2019, in a 3–2 Belgian First Division B win over Roeselare.
He then switched to another Belgian club, Charleroi, in 2020, where he experienced loan stints with RWDM47, Mouscron, and Waasland-Beveren.
Further, his option to buy was triggered at Berveran in 2022; hence, he was acquired by the club on a permanent deal, signing a two-year deal with the club.
On 6th July 2023, Mamelodi Sundowns announced they had secured Ribeiro. At Mamelodi Sundowns, he has risen quickly, scoring 30 goals in 55 games.
Amit Mishra’s POV
It’s crazy how one moment defines your career: Lucas Ribeiro’s goal is now viral all over the internet, earning him acclaim from all around the world. This shot is going to help him with attention from top-league clubs. His name is now being compared with GOAT Messi. That’s even more incredible.
YOU MIGHT READ: FIFA Opens Regional Hub in Morocco for 2030 World Cup
