17 Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão, 1999-06-10, Forward for Portugal, plays for AC Milan. 35 international caps, 8 goals. Part of Portugal's 2026 World Cup Group K squad.
Biography
AC Milan winger and Portugal's most explosive attacker. Currently plying his trade at AC Milan, a clinical forward, Rafael Leão possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Portugal's primary attacking threat. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 8 goals. Set to compete with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
Career Timeline
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 2021–22 Serie A, was voted the 2021–22 Serie A Most Valuable Player, and won the 2024–25 Supercoppa Italiana.
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.
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.