Portuguese · Almada, Portugal · Born 10 June 1999Portuguese forward known for pace and dribbling, key player in AC Milan's 2022 Serie A title win and regular Portugal international since 2019.
Rafael Alexandre Conceição Leão was born in Almada, Portugal in 1999. He developed at Sporting CP before Lille signed him and then AC Milan paid £32 million in 2019. His five Milan seasons have produced a Serie A title in 2022 — the club's first in eleven years — and consistent individual excellence. He was named Serie A's best player in the 2021-22 title-winning season. His pace — 0-100 metres in under 10 seconds — combined with left-footed technical quality and the ability to beat full-backs on the outside makes him one of the most dangerous wide forwards in Europe. He represented Portugal under multiple managers and was part of his World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024 squads. His contract renewal negotiations in 2023 generated significant transfer speculation — multiple clubs offering fees exceeding £100 million — before he signed a new long-term deal. He is the most valuable player in AC Milan's squad and Portugal's most exciting forward prospect since Cristiano Ronaldo emerged.
Key player in AC Milan's 2022 Serie A title triumph
How They Played
Pacey winger with strong dribbling ability and direct attacking style
Lasting Impact
As a young player still developing his career, Leão's legacy is being built around his role in AC Milan's resurgence as a competitive force in Italian football.
Career Honours
- Serie A (2022)
- Portuguese Super Cup (2021)
- Serie A 2022
- Portuguese Super Cup 2021
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 2017–2018 | 6 | 57 | #17 |
| Lille | 2018–2019 | 26 | 8 | — |
| AC Milan | 2019–2024 | 213 | 57 | — |
 Portugal | — | 35 | 6 | — |
Portuguese Athletes