As the 2025/26 football season enters its final act, the transfer mill has shifted into overdrive, and one name is dominating headlines across Africa and the Middle East: Lucas Ribeiro Costa. The Brazilian forward, who became a cult hero at Mamelodi Sundowns before an acrimonious departure to Spain, is reportedly on the verge of a sensational move to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad Tripoli.
This is not just a standard transfer; it is a story of tactical reunions, legal battles, and the magnetic pull of Rulani Mokwena’s ambitious project in North Africa.
The Rulani Reunion: A Match Made in Chloorkop
The most compelling aspect of the link between Ribeiro and Al-Ittihad is the presence of Rulani Mokwena. The former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, who took over at the Tripoli-based club earlier this year, was the architect who first brought Ribeiro to South Africa in 2023.
Under Mokwena, Ribeiro was a revelation. In their 2023/24 campaign, the pair spearheaded a Sundowns side that nearly finished the league season unbeaten, clinched the inaugural African Football League (AFL), and reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals. Ribeiro’s stats during that debut season were staggering:
- 37 Appearances
- 16 Goals
- 9 Assists
Mokwena’s tactical system, often referred to as “positional play,” relied heavily on Ribeiro’s ability to operate as both a clinical finisher and a creative “False 9.” It is no surprise that as Mokwena looks to build a continental powerhouse in Libya, his first “must-have” target is the Brazilian who understands his footballing language perfectly.
The Spanish Struggle: A Tough Year in La Liga 2
Since leaving South Africa in September 2025, Ribeiro’s career has been a mixed bag. He joined Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa in the Spanish second division on a one-year contract. While his individual quality was occasionally evident, the team struggled immensely.
As of early May 2026, Leonesa sits at the bottom of the La Liga 2 table, staring at relegation. Ribeiro has managed 4 goals and 1 assist in 25 appearances, a significant dip from his prolific days in Pretoria. Furthermore, his time in Spain has been hampered by a recent quadriceps injury that sidelined him in April.
Despite the lack of team success, Ribeiro’s pedigree remains intact. He has reportedly drawn interest from La Liga’s RCD Mallorca and several other Spanish clubs, but the offer from Libya is believed to be far more lucrative.
The Legal Shadow: The “Diarra Law” Exit
To understand why Ribeiro is a free agent this June, one must look back at his “turbulent” exit from Mamelodi Sundowns. Following his impressive showing at the FIFA Club World Cup, Sundowns reportedly blocked several high-value offers for the player from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Frustrated by the club’s refusal to let him move, Ribeiro and his legal team took the unprecedented step of citing the Diarra Law (the recent FIFA/European Court ruling regarding players’ rights to terminate contracts) to force an exit. This move left a bitter taste at Chloorkop but allowed Ribeiro to move to Spain on a free transfer. Now, with his one-year deal in Spain expiring in June, he is again a master of his own destiny.
The Al-Ittihad Vision
Al-Ittihad Tripoli is not just any club; they are the most successful team in Libyan history. However, their goal is no longer just domestic dominance—they want the CAF Champions League trophy.
By pairing Ribeiro with their current attacking force, Mokwena is attempting to build a frontline capable of competing with the likes of Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns. Sources indicate that an agreement in principle has already been reached, with Ribeiro set to become one of the highest-paid players on the continent.
Tactical Fit: How Ribeiro Slotted In
If the move is finalized, Ribeiro is expected to play a central role in a fluid 4-3-3 formation.
Mokwena’s preference for ball-playing forwards means Ribeiro will likely drop deep to link play with the midfield, creating space for overlapping wingers. This “total football” approach was the secret to their success in the AFL, and Mokwena is betting that the synergy can be replicated in North Africa.
Conclusion: The Return to the Sun
For Lucas Ribeiro Costa, a move to Al-Ittihad represents a return to an environment where he was loved and understood. For Rulani Mokwena, it is the final piece of a puzzle he began building in South Africa.
While the “Ghost” of his exit from Mamelodi Sundowns might still linger in the halls of Chloorkop, Ribeiro’s return to African football—albeit in a different jersey—will be one of the most watched storylines of the 2026 transfer window.
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