Former Mamelodi Sundowns favourite Lucas Ribeiro Costa has just earned one of football’s biggest individual honours, and fans in South Africa are celebrating like he never left. The Brazilian attacker, now playing in Spain, has been shortlisted for the FIFA Puskas Award after scoring a jaw-dropping solo goal against Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup.
A Moment That Still Lives In Fan Memory
If you watched that Club World Cup clash, you probably still remember it. Costa picked up the ball near the halfway line, glided past a wave of yellow shirts, and finished with the kind of calm only true flair players possess. Even though Sundowns lost that thriller 4-3, Costa’s run and finish became one of the tournament’s standout moments.
A Complicated Goodbye, But A Proud Moment
Costa’s nomination comes just months after he parted ways with Sundowns. His exit was messy, ending in a contract termination and a FIFA tribunal case that is still ongoing. In September, he signed for Cultural Leonesa in Spain’s LaLiga 2, where he has already made seven appearances.
Despite the drama, many Sundowns supporters say his nomination is a moment worth celebrating. The club has seen many stars leave over the years, but it’s rare to see a former PSL player put on the global stage in this way.
Sharing The Spotlight With Global Heavyweights
The Puskas Award is not given lightly. Costa is competing against some of the biggest names in world football, including Barcelona’s rising superstar Lamine Yamal and Arsenal’s midfield powerhouse Declan Rice. To even make the shortlist is an achievement that puts Costa among elite company.
For South African football fans, this nomination is a reminder of the level of talent the local game continues to attract and develop. With the PSL often overlooked on the global stage, moments like this help shift the narrative.
Why This Matters For SA Football
South Africa hasn’t had many players or goals recognised at FIFA awards level, so this nomination has sparked renewed conversation about the quality of football on the continent. It also highlights the Club World Cup as a platform where African teams can shine against European giants.
What Happens Next
Voting for the FIFA Puskas Award will determine whether Costa walks away with the trophy, but even being mentioned in the same breath as global superstars cements his place in football history. And whether you support Sundowns or not, it’s hard not to feel a little proud seeing a goal scored on South African soil make waves around the world.
Source: iDiski Times
Featured Image Source: Kickoff Online on X
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