Despite contract: Milan's Leão bids farewell

Milan have had two seasons to forget. After the 1-2 home defeat against Cagliari Calcio and missing out on Champions League qualification, the Rossoneri have dismissed their entire sporting management. Now, Rafael Leao has even resigned – despite having a contract until 2028.

31 May 2026

From: dl

Rafael Leão's seven-year stint at AC Milan now appears to be coming to an end. And it seems to be at the player's own request. "I think I gave Milan everything I could. Now I want to take on a new challenge in a different league," Leão told a Portuguese broadcaster. Sporttv.

The attacking midfielder has already left Milan and is currently in Lisbon. As things stand, he is only likely to return to Milan briefly. Their time together seems to have come to an end. "Right now, the most important thing is to have a good World Cup with Portugal. When the time comes, I will explore my options to continue my career and play at the highest level in European football."

From audience favorite to scapegoat

Leão joined AC Milan from French club LOSC Lille in the summer of 2019 for €24 million – at the time considered a great young talent. However, he made his definitive breakthrough under Stefano Pioli. With Pioli, Milan won the Scudetto in 2022, and Leão was voted the best player in Serie A. The Portuguese player became a fan favorite at the San Siro with his dribbling skills and speed.

Rafael Leão is considered a moody diva. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

But this season, Leão's relationship with Milan fans has finally suffered. His performances have been too erratic, inconsistent, and unmotivated for the second year in a row. Despite nine goals and three assists, the 26-year-old has far too rarely shown his immense potential. Milan could still receive a substantial transfer fee for Leão in the summer, and a move to Saudi Arabia doesn't seem out of the question for him.

Keywords Soccer Rafael Leão AC Milan