World football governing body FIFA has announced Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa as the winner of the Club World Cup 2025 Goal of the Tournament.

The Sundowns star’s long-range run beat out the likes of Lionel Messi’s free-kick finish for Inter Miami against FC Porto, and João Pedro’s stunner for Chelsea against Fluminense.

“The Mamelodi Sundowns forward’s finish got over 40,000 votes,” confirmed FIFA.

Ribeiro’s goal came in the 3-4 defeat to German side Borussia Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, United States, on 21 June.

Ribeiro picked the ball up inside his own half and went on an incredible 67-yard run past two Borussia Dortmund defenders before slotting it home past the outstretched Gregor Kobel.

“With so many amazing goals scored over the course of 63 matches, it was difficult to decide which effort would be named the best goal of the Club World Cup. FIFA put the question to fans, who submitted their votes on social media over the course of a week—and the result was decisive.”

Ribeiro said, “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.”

The Brazilian’s pace was a key factor in his goal. “I have good speed,” he added, “but not normally over a long distance. This was the difference for me scoring this goal.”

FIFA concluded, “The award is also a recognition of Africa’s contribution to the tournament. Sundowns performed admirably, impressing a global audience before exiting after the group stage.”