The former Sundowns superstars’ short-term contract with the club has come to an end. He is officially a free agent ahead of the new season.
Ribeiro’s availability is likely to attract significant interest. He carries reputation as one of the most influential players to have featured in the Betway Premiership in recent years.
SUNDOWNS STAR RETURNS TO MARKET
Ribeiro left Kabo Yellow under controversial circumstances after terminating his contract and arguing that he had just cause to do so through FIFA channels.
The 27-year-old alleged that potential career opportunities had been blocked because of what he viewed as an inflated transfer valuation.
The case has attracted attention beyond South Africa due to its potential implications for player movement in world football. Ribeiro has been represented by the Dupont Hissel law firm, which has been involved in landmark football legal matters in the past.
While the legal battle generated headlines, Ribeiro’s achievements on the pitch ensured he remained one of the most talked-about players linked to African football.
During his time at Sundowns, he established himself as a key figure in the club’s success, collecting several major individual awards.
EXEPCTED MOVE TO NORTH AFRICA
His move to Spain, however, did not produce the outcome many expected.
Ribeiro joined Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa for the 2025/26 campaign amid speculation that the club could serve as a stepping stone to other opportunities. Instead, the season ended in disappointment as the team suffered relegation to the third tier.
Attention has now shifted to his next destination, with reports linking him to a possible move to Libyan giants Al Ittihad Tripoli.
Such a transfer could see him reunite with former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, who played a major role during some of the most successful years of Ribeiro’s career.
The Brazilian leaves Europe having built an impressive record during his spell at Sundowns. He won the PSL Golden Boot, Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Goal of the Season awards. He also claimed the FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament accolade.
Across 88 appearances for the Tshwane giants, Ribeiro scored 37 goals and supplied 22 assists.
Those numbers helped cement his status as one of the most dangerous attacking players on the continent, and his free-agent status is now set to place him at the centre of another major transfer story.