Lucas Ribeiro Costa ready to display Flair and Finesse

LUCAS RIBEIRO COSTA

READY TO DISPLAY

FLAIR AND FINESSE

Lucas during his first appearance for Sundowns

Author: John Aliu

After spending six years in Europe, Lucas Ribeiro Costa arrived in Chloorkop with a strong determination to hit the ground running with his flair and finesse as Bafana Ba Style embarks on a busy schedule of domestic and continental action.

The left-footed forward joined Masandawana from SK Beveren following an impressive spell at the Belgian outfit. In the Challenger Pro League last season, Lucas made 31 league appearances, scoring 11 times and providing 8 assists as the club finished runners-up to RWD Molenbeek, who won promotion to the Belgian Pro League.

Costa expressed his excitement upon sealing the move to the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions. The Brazilian said, “Being part of a big and victorious club like Mamelodi Sundowns is truly wonderful. Not many people have the privilege of experiencing this and I feel extremely happy and grateful to be a part of such an incredible team.”

The new signing was overjoyed with the warm reception he received upon arriving at Chloorkop. “The facilities are incredible and I was pleasantly surprised. They have everything a player needs to perform well on the field. The coaches and players welcomed me with open arms, making me feel right at home. They are wonderful people with incredible kindness.”

Lucas Ribeiro Costa In Training

Although Ribeiro was born in Santa Helena, Brazil, and began his footballing career with Brazilian side Pinheiros, his game is intricately modeled after Argentine legend Lionel Messi. He expressed, “Messi is my biggest inspiration in football, and I have always closely followed his career. What he has achieved for the game is incredible. If I could spend a day with anyone, Messi would be the man.”

Costa’s football journey has taken him through various clubs, including Valenciennes FC in France Ligue 2, Royal Excelsior Virton, Sporting Charleroi, RWD Molenbeek and Royal Excel Mouscron (all Belgium).

Throughout this journey, Lucas Ribeiro has showcased his remarkable versatility, excelling on either wing or behind the striker. Like many other Brazilian attackers, he is renowned for his trickery in unlocking opposing defenses.

When asked about his favorite football skill, he confidently stated, “I believe that I’m a player who often acts on instinct on the field. So at any moment, I might surprise people with my moves and skills. The surprise element of my game is what sets me apart and keeps the opposition guessing.”

The Brazilian attacker wasted no time in clicking with his new teammates during the Netherlands pre-season tour. He found the back of the net in the 4-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam and the 2-2 draw against KAA Gent, showcasing his seamless integration into the team and his ability to make an immediate impact on the field.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa In Training

Five Fun Facts about Lucas Ribeiro Costa:

Born for the game: Lucas developed a natural love and passion for football at a very young age, without any specific person inspiring him. It all came naturally, and he’s been playing since he was around 4 years old.

Favorite team outside Sundowns: Lucas supports Palmeiras (Brazilian club), as his father is also a big fan and he wanted to share the same team loyalty with his dad.

Favorite quote or motto: “Family, because that’s what motivates me every day.” Lucas values family as a driving force in his life.

Favorite South African meal: Lucas has already tried and fallen in love with the delightful combination of Chakalaka with Pap and Wors.

Hobbies and leisure activities: Apart from football, Lucas likes going to the gym, watching movies on Netflix and spending quality time with his family.

Hailing from Brazil, Lucas Ribeiro Costa is well acquainted with the rhythm of drums and samba dance, which perfectly captures the spirit of Mamelodi Sundowns. His arrival also fulfills the club’s desire for a skilled left-footed attacker, offering Coach Rulani Mokwena a wealth of exciting options. His success during pre-season also bodes well for his future contributions to the team’s attacking prowess and supporters can be excited about what he will bring to the pitch in the upcoming season.

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