{"id":244006,"first_name":"Rafael Alexandre","last_name":"Conceição Leão","short_name":"Rafael Leão","common_name":"Rafael Leão","place_of_birth":"Almada","gender":"male","height":189,"weight":79,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:10:49.211Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:11.247Z","locale":"en","age":25,"stb_id":"rafael-leao","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Rafael Leão","top_position":null,"introduction":"Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leão, known as Rafael Leão, is an acclaimed Portuguese professional footballer specializing as a left winger for Serie A club AC Milan and the Portugal national team. Recognized for his exceptional dribbling and speed, Leão is considered one of the best wingers globally. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the 2021–22 Serie A title with AC Milan and being named the Serie A Most Valuable Player that same season. He has made substantial contributions to both his club and national teams, participating in major tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nRafael Leão was born on 10 June 1999 in Almada, Portugal, part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. He is of mixed Angolan and São Toméan descent, a heritage that reflects his multicultural background. Raised in Amora alongside his three siblings, Leão grew up in an environment that encouraged his early interest in football. His parents provided a supportive backdrop for his budding football interests, facilitating his foundational education in the sport.\n\n## Youth Career\nLeão began his formal football journey with local academies, first at Amora and then at Foot 21, demonstrating significant promise from a young age. At nine years old, he joined Sporting CP's youth system, where his talent continued to blossom. His development in youth teams was marked by notable skill and dedication, culminating in a senior debut with Sporting CP's reserves. During his youth career, he notably contributed to the Portugal under-17 team's victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n### Sporting CP\nLeão made his senior debut with Sporting CP's reserve team on 21 May 2017 and soon progressed to the first team, making his Primeira Liga appearance on 11 February 2018. During his tenure, he became the youngest player to score for Sporting CP against Porto. However, his time with Sporting ended abruptly in June 2018 when he terminated his contract following an attack on the club by ultras.\n\n### Lille\nLeão transitioned to French club Lille on a free transfer on 8 August 2018. Despite initial complications regarding his contract approval, he became a pivotal part of the team, scoring eight goals in 26 appearances over the season. His contributions were instrumental in Lille finishing as runners-up in Ligue 1, firmly establishing his reputation as a key player.\n\n### AC Milan\nLeão joined AC Milan on 1 August 2019 for a significant transfer fee of €35 million. His adaptation to Italian football saw progressive enhancement in his playing style, culminating in the 2021–22 season, where he played a crucial role in Milan clinching the Serie A title. Leão was recognized as the league’s MVP, with a standout performance noted for his record-setting goal against Sassuolo and a hat-trick of assists in the title-deciding match against Sassuolo.\n\nIn subsequent seasons, Leão continued to be a pivotal figure for Milan, extending his contract until 2028 and assuming the number 10 shirt. His performance statistics include remarkable assists and goals contributions, underlining his profound impact on the pitch.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nLeão represented Portugal at various youth levels, playing for the under-17s, under-19s, and under-21s. His early promise was highlighted by his contribution to Portugal winning the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He was also part of the under-19 team that finished as runners-up in the 2017 UEFA European Championship and the under-21 side that reached the final of the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.\n\n### Senior National Team\nLeão debuted for the senior Portugal national team on 9 October 2021 and quickly demonstrated his skills by providing an assist in his first match. He participated in Portugal's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored his first international goal in a group stage match against Ghana. His international portfolio further expanded with his selection for the UEFA Euro 2024, although Portugal's campaign ended in the quarter-finals.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nRafael Leão is recognized for his versatility on the field, prominently playing as a left winger but also capable of taking central roles. Standing at 1.88 meters, he combines height and agility to excel in one-on-one situations. Leão's dribbling precision and tactical intelligence allow him to exploit defensive weaknesses, driving forward with impressive speed. His capacity for creating scoring opportunities for teammates highlights his vision and creativity.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nLeão's career statistics reflect his influence on the field, with his notable contributions in goals and assists for AC Milan across several seasons. His performance metrics showcase his dynamic offensive capabilities and the pivotal role he plays in securing victories for his team.\n\n## Records\nLeão holds the record for the fastest goal scored in the history of Serie A, achieved in just 6.2 seconds against Sassuolo during the 2020–21 season.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- **AC Milan**: Serie A champion (2021–22)\n- **Portugal U17**: UEFA European Under-17 Championship winner (2016)\n- **Portugal U19 and U21**: Runners-up positions in respective tournaments\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Serie A Most Valuable Player (2021–22)\n- Serie A Player of the Month (October 2022, April 2023, September 2023)\n- Serie A Top Assist Provider (2023–24)\n- Included in Serie A Team of the Year (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24)","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nRafael Leão's career is distinguished by his rapid ascension in European football, marked by his contributions to club successes and individual accolades. His technical prowess and offensive dynamism make him a standout player of his generation.\n\n## Off the Field\nLeão's influence extends beyond the football pitch. Known also for his music, he releases tracks under the pseudonym WAY 45, showcasing his multifaceted talents.\n\n## Personal Life\nIn addition to football, Leão is fluent in several languages, including Portuguese, English, Italian, and French, thanks to his diverse career stations. A passionate storyteller, he authored his autobiography \"Smile,\" reflecting on his journey and life experiences.","stb_internal_id":"019300bd-a585-7a28-95c6-a7e02934a5e7","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"left-wing","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leão, known as Rafael Leão, is an acclaimed Portuguese professional footballer specializing as a left winger for Serie A club AC Milan and the Portugal national team. Recognized for his exceptional dribbling and speed, Leão is considered one of the best wingers globally. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the 2021–22 Serie A title with AC Milan and being named the Serie A Most Valuable Player that same season. He has made substantial contributions to both his club and national teams, participating in major tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Rafael Leão was born on 10 June 1999 in Almada, Portugal, part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. He is of mixed Angolan and São Toméan descent, a heritage that reflects his multicultural background. Raised in Amora alongside his three siblings, Leão grew up in an environment that encouraged his early interest in football. His parents provided a supportive backdrop for his budding football interests, facilitating his foundational education in the sport.

Youth Career

Leão began his formal football journey with local academies, first at Amora and then at Foot 21, demonstrating significant promise from a young age. At nine years old, he joined Sporting CP's youth system, where his talent continued to blossom. His development in youth teams was marked by notable skill and dedication, culminating in a senior debut with Sporting CP's reserves. During his youth career, he notably contributed to the Portugal under-17 team's victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Sporting CP

Leão made his senior debut with Sporting CP's reserve team on 21 May 2017 and soon progressed to the first team, making his Primeira Liga appearance on 11 February 2018. During his tenure, he became the youngest player to score for Sporting CP against Porto. However, his time with Sporting ended abruptly in June 2018 when he terminated his contract following an attack on the club by ultras.

Lille

Leão transitioned to French club Lille on a free transfer on 8 August 2018. Despite initial complications regarding his contract approval, he became a pivotal part of the team, scoring eight goals in 26 appearances over the season. His contributions were instrumental in Lille finishing as runners-up in Ligue 1, firmly establishing his reputation as a key player.

AC Milan

Leão joined AC Milan on 1 August 2019 for a significant transfer fee of €35 million. His adaptation to Italian football saw progressive enhancement in his playing style, culminating in the 2021–22 season, where he played a crucial role in Milan clinching the Serie A title. Leão was recognized as the league’s MVP, with a standout performance noted for his record-setting goal against Sassuolo and a hat-trick of assists in the title-deciding match against Sassuolo.

In subsequent seasons, Leão continued to be a pivotal figure for Milan, extending his contract until 2028 and assuming the number 10 shirt. His performance statistics include remarkable assists and goals contributions, underlining his profound impact on the pitch.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Leão represented Portugal at various youth levels, playing for the under-17s, under-19s, and under-21s. His early promise was highlighted by his contribution to Portugal winning the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He was also part of the under-19 team that finished as runners-up in the 2017 UEFA European Championship and the under-21 side that reached the final of the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Senior National Team

Leão debuted for the senior Portugal national team on 9 October 2021 and quickly demonstrated his skills by providing an assist in his first match. He participated in Portugal's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored his first international goal in a group stage match against Ghana. His international portfolio further expanded with his selection for the UEFA Euro 2024, although Portugal's campaign ended in the quarter-finals.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Rafael Leão is recognized for his versatility on the field, prominently playing as a left winger but also capable of taking central roles. Standing at 1.88 meters, he combines height and agility to excel in one-on-one situations. Leão's dribbling precision and tactical intelligence allow him to exploit defensive weaknesses, driving forward with impressive speed. His capacity for creating scoring opportunities for teammates highlights his vision and creativity.

Performance Statistics

Leão's career statistics reflect his influence on the field, with his notable contributions in goals and assists for AC Milan across several seasons. His performance metrics showcase his dynamic offensive capabilities and the pivotal role he plays in securing victories for his team.

Records

Leão holds the record for the fastest goal scored in the history of Serie A, achieved in just 6.2 seconds against Sassuolo during the 2020–21 season.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

AC Milan: Serie A champion (2021–22)
Portugal U17: UEFA European Under-17 Championship winner (2016)
Portugal U19 and U21: Runners-up positions in respective tournaments

Individual Achievements

Serie A Most Valuable Player (2021–22)
Serie A Player of the Month (October 2022, April 2023, September 2023)
Serie A Top Assist Provider (2023–24)
Included in Serie A Team of the Year (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24)

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Rafael Leão's career is distinguished by his rapid ascension in European football, marked by his contributions to club successes and individual accolades. His technical prowess and offensive dynamism make him a standout player of his generation.

Off the Field

Leão's influence extends beyond the football pitch. Known also for his music, he releases tracks under the pseudonym WAY 45, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

Personal Life

In addition to football, Leão is fluent in several languages, including Portuguese, English, Italian, and French, thanks to his diverse career stations. A passionate storyteller, he authored his autobiography \"Smile,\" reflecting on his journey and life experiences.

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AC Milan was founded on December 16, 1899, by English expatriate Herbert Kilpin as Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club. During the fascist period (1939-1945), the club was temporarily renamed 'Associazione Calcio Milano.' The club has experienced several golden eras throughout its history, including under managers Nereo Rocco in the 1960s, Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello in the late 1980s-1990s (with the famous 'Immortals' and 'Invincibles' teams), and Carlo Ancelotti in the early 2000s.

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

The club has won 19 Serie A titles (Scudetti), most recently in 2021-22 under Stefano Pioli. AC Milan has claimed 7 European Cup/Champions League titles, making them the second-most successful Italian club in European competition. In total, they have won 18 official international trophies. Recent achievements include winning Serie A in 2021-22, reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2022-23 (their first in 16 years), and finishing 2nd in Serie A while reaching the Europa League quarter-finals in 2023-24.

\n","club_identity_html":"

AC Milan is known by the nicknames 'I Rossoneri' (The Red and Blacks) and 'Il Diavolo' (The Devil), reflecting their iconic red and black striped jerseys. They play at San Siro (officially Stadio Giuseppe Meazza), which they have shared with city rivals Inter Milan since 1947. The club is famous for its fierce rivalry with Inter in the 'Derby della Madonnina,' named after Milan Cathedral's golden Madonna statue.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

AC Milan is currently owned by RedBird Capital Partners, who acquired 99.93% of the club in 2022. Paulo Fonseca was appointed as head coach in June 2024, replacing Stefano Pioli. After experiencing some challenging years, the club has returned to prominence with their 2022 Scudetto win and continues to be a major force in Italian and European football, having recently reached the Champions League semi-finals and maintaining their competitive position in Serie A.

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Rafael Leão: Profile