Lucas Ribeiro claimed victory at the PSL awards, raking in impressive accolades.
The 2020/21 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, which started in early August, was a significant one for Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro. Amidst a season that began later than any other competitive PSL season in records, Ribeiro not only excelled but also broke records and earned top honours.
Ribeiro, who plays for Sundowns, scored an impressive 28 goals across the 2020/21 PSL season, making him the highest-scoring Brazilian in PSL history. His goal tally was enough to win the Betway Premiership Top Goal Scorer award. Additionally, Ribeiro's contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also provided assists and created chances, ranking him highly in metrics such as through balls and chances created, making him a complete forward.
In the 30-game PSL era, 16 goals have been enough to win the Golden Boot in 74% of the seasons. Ribeiro's 28 goals, therefore, were an impressive achievement. Furthermore, the 28 goals came from 19.4xG worth of chances, indicating a high conversion rate.
Ribeiro's impressive form earned him several awards, including the PSL Footballer of the Season, Betway Premiership Players' Player of the Season, and Betway Premiership Goal of the Season awards. His achievements were not limited to the domestic league, as he also helped Sundowns to a record-stretching eighth consecutive PSL title.
Interestingly, Ribeiro's shot map in the 2023/24 season was closely matched with his xG, but in the 2020/21 season, the gap started to widen, suggesting improved finishing. This improvement in finishing was evident in his high goal tally and high conversion rate.
The 2020/21 PSL season started later than usual due to scheduling around other international cricket events like the Champions Trophy in February 2021. Despite this delay, Ribeiro's performances were timely and crucial for Sundowns' success.
The 2020/21 PSL season was not the only one to start later than usual. The seasons of 2010/11 and 2016/17 also started later than usual, but neither went into the last week. The latest start to a PSL season is in 2025 when PSL 10 is scheduled to begin on April 11 or April 17, 2025, with matches starting between these dates according to different sources.
Ribeiro's performances in the 2020/21 PSL season have earned him widespread recognition as the best player in the league. This recognition comes from media, players, coaches, and analytics, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the PSL.
Lucas Ribeiro's outstanding performances in the sports of football during the 2020/21 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, including breaking Brazilian records and winning top honours, have been lauded by sports-analysis professionals, confirming his status as one of the best players in the league, highlighted by his multiple awards such as the PSL Footballer of the Season and Top Goal Scorer. Despite the season starting later than usual due to scheduling conflicts, Ribeiro's impressive form, high goal tally, and conversion rate played a crucial role in extending Sundowns' record-breaking eight consecutive PSL titles.
