Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon expected to miss rest of year after surgery

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the year after undergoing surgery on an injury sustained in Sunday’s CAF Super Cup final.

The Colombian forward was hurt during the opening stages of Sundowns’ match against USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium and was unable to continue. He was replaced by Iqraam Rayners in the 17th minute.

The incident added to an already difficult start for the Brazilians, who had also lost Nuno Santos before kick-off because of injury.

Long-term absence expected

Sources told Siya that Leon’s injury is more serious than initially feared and that the 26-year-old has since undergone an operation.

“He is going to be out for quite some time. He underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the year. It is a long-term injury,” a source told the Siya crew.

The absence of Leon presents another challenge for head coach Miguel Cardoso, who must now reassess his attacking options while the forward begins a lengthy recovery.

The injury comes shortly after Sundowns’ disappointing CAF Super Cup campaign. The Tshwane club were beaten 3-1 by USM Alger in the final, missing out on the chance to add another continental trophy to their honours.

Sundowns had entered the match after winning the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and had been seeking further success in the CAF Super Cup. Instead, they left Loftus Versfeld Stadium defeated, with Leon’s injury compounding the result.

Cardoso will now have to manage his forward options without the Colombian for an extended period. Rayners was introduced early in the final following Leon’s injury, although Sundowns’ plans for handling the absence will become clearer as the season progresses.

Mamelodi Sundowns were contacted for comment and given the opportunity to clarify the striker’s condition. However, the club had not responded by the time of publication.