Mamelodi Sundowns has once again asserted its dominance in South African football, clinching their 15th league title, a record-breaking eighth consecutive win. At the heart of this triumph stands Brazilian midfielder Lucas Ribeiro Costa, a player whose brilliance, finesse, and consistency have lit up the PSL.

Not only is Costa the league’s top scorer this season, but he has also become a household name thanks to his electrifying flair, game intelligence, and unrelenting work ethic. He is, quite simply, the player everyone is talking about.

We met for the first time at his residence for wardrobe measurements and to go over mood boards ahead of our shoot. He is warm, gracious, and visibly curious to see how everything will come together.

On the shoot day, Costa brings unmistakable Brazilian energy to the set. He moves to the rhythm of his favorite music, playfully side-eyeing the stylist for the many shorts chosen for his looks. Between outfit changes and camera clicks, he teaches me a few Portuguese words, though I’ll admit, I’ve forgotten them already.

The flair, the rhythm and grace on the pitch are what led us to sit down with this remarkable star.

Born in the small Brazilian town of Santa  Helena, Lucas first fell in love with football at age seven, kicking a tattered ball around dusty streets with his friends. From the start, he knew this passion would become his life’s work, though he never dreamed it would carry him far beyond his native Brazil. When a Belgian club came calling, he was equal parts jolted and thrilled, embarking on his first taste of European football. After honing his craft further in France, Lucas made the bold move to South Africa, where his elegant touch and incisive vision have flourished.

Today, Costa ranks among Mamelodi  Sundowns’ most coveted attacking midfielders. Since joining the club he’s lifted two Premier Soccer League trophies and an AFL title, earning praise not only from fervent supporters but from fellow professionals who admire his blend of Brazilian flair and hard‑earned experience under European lights.

Coming from football royalty, World Cup winners and Ballon d’Or legends, Lucas has pedigree on his side. “Brazil is known for its great players: Pelé, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and the current crop of superstars,” he tells us. “I feel honoured to be representing my country in South Africa. Brazilians are happy with my performances; they celebrate my wins, and I continue to make them proud. I’m focused on my performances at Sundowns and helping the team win more trophies.”

When asked about moving from Europe to South Africa, he smiled thoughtfully. “Football in Europe is a lot more difficult, much faster and more intense than here in South Africa, but this league is evolving, and I’m grateful to be part of that evolution. There are great players here; I mean Ronwen Williams, Tebogo Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Marcello Allende, all remarkable athletes whom I wish had played in Europe. Still, the South African league is growing in leaps and bounds, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ success is testament to that.”

 With his feet planted firmly on African soil but his heart ever Brazilian, Lucas Costa continues to weave magic in gold and blue, determined to lift his country’s flag high while etching his name into South African football history.

He sings paeans to his teammates for the pivotal role they played in helping him settle into life in South Africa.

“Everyone was just amazing,” he says. “They helped me adapt quickly, were very welcoming, and we’ve built a strong connection as a team. For me, it’s not just about being a good footballer, I also want to be a good person off the pitch. I see those same values in my teammates, and that inspires me.”

He highlights Marcello and several others for going above and beyond during his transition. “They especially helped me with learning English. When I arrived, I couldn’t speak the language at all, but thanks to them, I’ve improved a lot. They’ve been instrumental in that journey. I feel truly lucky to be part of this group.”

Speedpoint, The Heart & Fire of Ribeiro Costa.

Fans call him Speedpoint — a nickname born out of sheer brilliance. There’s even a song dedicated to him. Coaches dream of having him in their squads, and rival fans can’t help but admire his magic on the pitch. At just 26, Lucas Costa’s impact on African football is undeniable.

He smiles shyly as the praise is mentioned. “It’s wonderful to get so much love,” he says. “I work very hard to help my team. Seeing the support from fans, the nicknames, the songs, it makes everything worthwhile.”

Costa is currently the top scorer in the PSL with 16 goals, and astonishingly, he’s also the leading scorer across several African leagues, including Morocco, Egypt, and Tanzania. Yet he remains unfazed. “I’m happy we won the league, and I’m grateful for the goals I’ve scored with the help of my teammates. But for me, it’s always about collective success. People talk a lot, good and bad, but all I wanted was to have an incredible season. We’ve won the league. I’m happy.”

Despite the spotlight, Costa stays grounded, a trait shaped not just by his talent but by the people around him. In South Africa, he found family among teammates like Peter Shalulile and Marcello. “When I arrived, I didn’t speak English. Marcello and Peter really helped me adapt. Sometimes Peter laughs at my English,” he chuckles, “but it’s all love. He’s an amazing person.”

Being surrounded by fellow Latin players such as Marcello Allende, Matias Esquivel, and Gaston Sirino has made his journey even smoother. Though he had no trouble settling in France and Belgium, even picking up French quickly, South Africa demanded he learn English. Luckily, his coach speaks Portuguese, and the camaraderie within the team has eased the transition.

As Mamelodi Sundowns continue to dominate the African football landscape, Costa doesn’t shy away from crediting the club’s vision. “With all respect to other clubs, Sundowns is extremely ambitious. The people behind the scenes work just as hard, if not harder, than the players. The mentality here is all about winning.”

And with the FIFA Club World Cup coming up in the United States this June, Costa is excited. “It’ll be my first Club World Cup. We have to seize the moment, go in with hunger and drive. It won’t be easy, but we’re capable. I’m especially excited to play against Fluminense, and I’d love to face Palmeiras, a team I rate highly. I hope we meet them in the semifinals or final.”

On the possibility of returning to Europe? Costa laughs. “I’m happy here. I love the club, the team, the fans, and this country. I don’t know what the club’s plans are,  whether they want to renew or sell,  but I’m focused on the Champions League. Right now, this is home.”

Off the pitch, Costa’s kindness is legendary. When I ask about the stories; buying shoes for a man who had none in Pretoria, gifting a house to a friend in Brazil, he becomes visibly uncomfortable. “I don’t help people for recognition or for social media,” he says quietly. “I help where I can, when I can, with a happy heart. God knows my intentions.”

His favorite goal? “My very first for Sundowns,” he smiles. “But the one against Orlando Pirates at Loftus this season was special too. That’s when people really started noticing me.”

As awards season nears, Costa is a frontrunner for Player of the Season, Midfielder of the Season, and Player’s Player of the Season. But he remains modest. “I’ve had a great season, ups and downs, sure, but I’m proud of how I pushed myself. I’m hopeful, but just happy to have contributed.”

Then, his eyes light up when the subject turns to his seven-year-old son. “I miss him every day. I hope one day he understands why I’m so far away, to give him the best life, to send him to the best schools. He’s my motivation, my biggest blessing. He made me a better man. I just hope he’s proud of me.”

Before we end, Costa takes a moment to thank his fans, in Africa and Europe alike. “In South Africa and Belgium, people still send me love. Wherever I go, I’ve been treated with respect. I thank God for that. I hope I can always perform at a high level, to make fans happy when I play, when I score, when I dribble. I love them more than they love me.”

And as for our interview?

“You made me feel comfortable,” he says with a warm smile. “That’s really important to me, being able to laugh, to speak freely. Your team was excellent. Thank you for the invitation. It was a pleasure to be here.”

CREDITS:
Cover star: Lucas Ribeiro Costa @lucasrc.20
Cover story: Bonnie Meslane @bonniemeslane
Editor & Producer: @bonniemeslane
Photographer: @king_henry_iiv
Creative Direction: @bonniemeslane
Wardrobe styling: @advicebykgosilesego
Fashion stylists: @kgosiLesego | @tshego.creates | @mrsuave_dastylistsa
Makeup: @gorgemakeup_za
Graphic Design: @herbet_brian
Photography team – RTC Studios @_rtcstudios
Retoucher: @king_henry_iiv
Photography assistant: @tshepozitha
Lighting director: @motsocaptures
Digitech: @tyrone_jhns
Video: @mic_themost
Social Media: @kamomalinga

STOCKISTS:
Bespoke maroon suit: @princethabz | @princebespokes_