Player profile
Rafael Leão
Forward · AC Milan
Rafael Leão went to the 2026 World Cup with Portugal off the back of a difficult AC Milan season, and while he featured for his country in North America, his club future is now genuinely uncertain with Turkish suitors circling.
Career
Leão's 2025-26 season at AC Milan was widely described as disastrous by his own numbers -- nine Serie A goals as Milan finished fifth, with the team statistically stronger when he was left out of the side.
Despite that domestic dip, Roberto Martínez still selected him for Portugal's 2026 World Cup squad, where Leão made three appearances and scored one goal.
How they play
At his best Leão is a powerful, direct left-footed winger who cuts inside from the left to shoot or drives past defenders at pace -- the explosiveness that made him one of Serie A's most feared attackers when confidence and form align.
Where they are now
Leão has said his AC Milan future will be decided after the World Cup, and reporting since the tournament links him to a move to Turkey, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe named as the clubs most willing to make an offer.
He has reportedly scrubbed AC Milan from his social media profile since the World Cup ended, a signal read by Italian outlets as pointing toward an exit.
Bio
Club career
- AC MilanSince 2019Current
- Lille OSC2018–2019
- Sporting CP2017–2018
International career
- Portugal men's national football teamSince 2021Current
Youth caps: U21 (2017–2021) · U20 (2017–2019) · U19 (2016–2017) · U17 (2015–2016) · U16 (2014–2016)
Honours
No honours on record yet.
Defining moments
2026 World Cup with Portugal2026
Leão was included in Portugal's World Cup squad despite a subdued club season, making three tournament appearances and scoring once for Roberto Martínez's side.
Latest season stats (ESPN)
In our archive
We haven’t archived a match featuring this player yet — appearances appear here the moment we cover one.
Sources
- ESPN athlete profileJul 18, 2026
- WikidataJul 18, 2026
- Player photo — Werner100359CC BY-SA 4.0
Read for this profile
- Football Italia — 'Leao didn't deserve World Cup spot after disastrous 2025-26 season with AC Milan'August 3, 2026
- Football Italia — Rafael Leao drops Galatasaray and Fenerbahce hints, scrubs AC Milan from profile after 2026 World CupAugust 3, 2026
Profile written / last reviewed August 3, 2026.
← All players · Results · Play War of Soccer →
Comments
Loading comments…
War of Soccer is not affiliated with FIFA, AC Milan, any federation or Rafael Leão. This page compiles publicly available data (ESPN, Wikidata) descriptively, for identification and commentary only — not an endorsement by or of the player.