Rafael Leão

Rafael "Rafa" Alexandre da Conceição Leão (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʁɐfɐˈɛl ˈljɐ̃w]; born 10 June 1999) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a left winger and forward for Serie A club AC Milan and the Portugal national team. He is known for his dribbling and speed. Graduating from Sporting CP youth system, Leão made his first-team debut in 2018, winning the 2017–18 Taça da Liga, before unilaterally terminating his contract, following an incident involving a violent mob of ultras fans within the club's facilities. Shortly after, he joined for Ligue 1 side Lille on a free transfer. After a season, AC Milan signed him in 2019, winning the 2021–22 Serie A, being named that season's Most Valuable Player. Leão is a former Portugal youth international, representing his country at various youth levels, being part of the under-17 team that won the 2016 European Championship. He made his senior international debut in 2021, and was part of Portugal's squads at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024. He won the UEFA Nations League in 2025.