CWC's best goal: Lucas Ribeiro outshines Messi and Musiala

Martin T
2 days ago
2 min read

Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau of Mamelodi Sundowns — Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau. Photo credit: Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns' Lucas Ribeiro has taken the football world by storm, claiming the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament award. His stunning solo effort eclipsed goals from global superstars like Lionel Messi, Jamal Musiala, and João Pedro.

Ribeiro was a key player for Masandawana in the recent FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States. While he contributed an assist in their opening group stage match against Ulsan HD, it was his unforgettable goal against German giants Borussia Dortmund that captured international attention.

The Brazilian showcased incredible individual brilliance, collecting the ball deep in his own half and embarking on a breathtaking 67-yard run. He weaved past two Dortmund defenders before calmly slotting the ball past an outstretched Gregor Kobel. This exquisite goal opened the scoring in a thrilling 4-3 encounter that saw seven goals in total, though Dortmund ultimately secured the victory.

After a week of extensive social media voting, Ribeiro's spectacular strike for Sundowns was the overwhelming favourite, garnering over 40,000 fan votes to decisively win the coveted Goal of the Tournament award.

Following his sensational goal, Ribeiro expressed his confidence and happiness: "I am always confident. I’m very happy to have scored the goal. 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." He also acknowledged his speed as a key factor: "I have good speed, but not normally over a long distance. This was the difference for me scoring this goal.”

Ribeiro's exceptional 2024/25 season with Sundowns has also earned him significant local recognition. He's been nominated for three prestigious PSL awards, set to be announced on Tuesday, July 29: PSL Footballer of the Season, Betway Premiership Player's Player of the Season, and Betway Premiership Goal of the Season.