Nuno Santos Ready to Contribute to Bafana Ba Style’s Glory

Author: John Aliu

Having already hit the ground running at Mamelodi Sundowns, Nuno Santos has quickly shown that he is not just another new signing but a player determined to etch his name into the Club’s ever-growing legacy.

Driven by an unrelenting hunger for excellence, the 26-year-old midfielder has set his sights on helping Bafana Ba Style capture more trophies, break new records and reward the unwavering faith that the Yellow Nation supporters have already placed in him since he joined.

Reflecting on his early impressions since arriving at Chloorkop, Nuno speaks with pride about belonging to one of Africa’s most ambitious football institutions.

“It feels amazing to be a Mamelodi Sundowns player and to be part of this family. Not every player gets to wear the colors of a Club with such a rich legacy and ambition. It is something special and you can feel the history, the passion and the expectations the moment you walk into Chloorkop. It inspires you to give your best every single day.”

That sense of purpose has already translated into performances that have captured the imagination of supporters and teammates alike. Wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, Nuno wasted no time asserting his influence on the pitch. His commanding display in the 4–1 triumph over Richards Bay on September 27, 2025, was a clear statement of intent, a match where his creativity and composure earned him the Betway Premier League Man of the Match award, just weeks into his new journey.

In Continental football, Nuno’s influence has been even more remarkable. On his CAF Champions League debut, he orchestrated play in midfield and guided Sundowns to a historic milestone, becoming the first Premier Soccer League (PSL) team ever to win an away CAF Champions League match against Nigerian opposition. Over two legs against Nigeria’s league champions, Remo Stars, he delivered two assists in the first encounter before scoring his first goal for the Club in the return leg, sealing an emphatic 7–1 aggregate triumph.

“Playing in Africa’s top (elite) competition is an incredible experience. The intensity, the atmosphere and the travel are completely different but also inspiring. To be part of a win that made history for the Club was unbelievable. When I scored that first goal, I thought about everyone who believed in me and that motivated me to want to do even more for this great Club.”

Fun Facts: Quick Fire with Nuno Santos

Hidden Talents: Loves all kinds of sports and believes he is skilled beyond football.

Most Adventurous Moment: Swimming in the middle of the sea in the Maldives.

Dream Day with a Legend: Pep Guardiola — would have dinner or coffee to chat about football and learn as much as possible.

Favorite Sport Outside Football: Watches Padel, with Juan Lebrón Galán as his favorite player.

Personal Motto: I don’t lose, I learn.

South African Food: Starting to enjoy eating Pap (maize meal porridge).

Hobbies and Leisure: Spending time with his girlfriend and dog, walking, connecting with family and friends, and playing padel or tennis.

Music & Movies: Coldplay is the band of his life. Also enjoys Portuguese rapper and record producer Slow J.

Ultimate Five-a-Side Team: Diogo Costa in goal, Pepe, Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Reisinho.

Favorite Holiday Memory: Every family Christmas moment is special.

Teammate as Santa Claus: Keanu Cupido, because of the beard. We would just have to paint it 😂

As Nuno Santos continues to settle into life at Chloorkop, his early displays of creativity, composure and vision have already signaled that he is ready to make a lasting impact at Mamelodi Sundowns. With every match, he is not only building his own legacy but also contributing to the rich history of Bafana Ba Style, inspiring the Yellow Nation and reminding everyone that the journey at Sundowns is about excellence, unity and the pursuit of greatness.