Rafael Conceição Leão

Rafael Leão is a Portuguese professional footballer who operates as a left winger for Serie A club AC Milan and the Portugal National Team.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Rafael Alexandre Conceição Leão was born on June 10, 1999, in Almada, Portugal. The Portuguese forward stands 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) tall.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport and his country, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of Merit by the Portuguese government in June 2025.

Career

Leão's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Amora FC and Foot 21 before he joined the prestigious Sporting CP Academy in 2008. He progressed through the system to make his senior debut, winning the League Cup with the club in the 2017–18 season.

Following a brief spell in France with Lille, where he showcased his potential, he secured a move to Italian giant AC Milan in 2019.

At Milan, Leão evolved into a world-class talent. He was the driving force behind the club's Scudetto triumph in the 2021–22 season, a performance that earned him the Serie A Most Valuable Player award. His influence continued to grow, earning him multiple inclusions in the Serie A Team of the Year and helping the club secure the Italian Super Cup in 2024.

Internationally, Leão has enjoyed significant success with Portugal. He first made headlines by winning the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2016. After making his senior debut in 2021, he became a regular fixture in the squad, culminating in a major international trophy when Portugal won the UEFA Nations League in the 2024–25 campaign.

Team Honors

• 2016 - UEFA European Under-17 Championship, Portugal U17
• 2017–2018 - League Cup, Sporting CP
• 2021–2022 - Serie A, Milan
• 2024 - Italian Super Cup, Milan
• 2024–2025 - UEFA Nations League, Portugal

Individual Honors

• 2021–2022 - Serie A Most Valuable Player
• 2021–2022 - Serie A Team of the Year
• 2022–2023 - Serie A Team of the Year
• 2023–2024 - Serie A Team of the Year
• 2025 - Commander of the Order of Merit