Leao to make decision on AC Milan future after World Cup

Rafael Leao said that his future at AC Milan will be decided following Portugal’s World Cup campaign, adding that the arrival of Ruben Amorim could sway his decision to stay. 

Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, Leao expressed his desire to seek a new challenge away from the Serie A giants following an underwhelming season. 

The 27-year-old joined Milan in 2019 from Lille, and has gone on to win two major honours, including the Scudetto in 2021-22, but has struggled for form of late. 

Across all competitions last season, Leao managed just 13 goal contributions (10 goals, three assists) in 31 appearances in all competitions as Milan missed out on a spot in the Champions League, resulting in Massimiliano Allegri’s dismissal. 

Since joining the club seven years ago, only Dusan Vlahovic (138), Ciro Immobile (149), Romelu Lukaku (157) and Lautaro Martinez (203) have been involved in more goals across all competitions than Leao’s 135 among players from Serie A. 

But with former Manchester United boss Amorim announced as Allegri’s successor, Leao is reconsidering his future, but only after the World Cup has come to its conclusion. 

“At this moment, I need to stay focused on the World Cup,” Leao said.

“What I do know is that this is a very good coach. He did well in Portugal, it didn’t go the way he wanted at Manchester United, but he remains a great coach.

“I will make a decision after the World Cup.”

Leao got himself on the scoresheet in Portugal’s first win at this year’s World Cup on Tuesday, with Roberto Martinez’s side thumping Uzbekistan 5-0 at Houston Stadium. 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored either side of Nuno Mendes’ free-kick, before an Abduvokhid Nematov own goal and Leao’s fine finish three minutes from time sealed an emphatic win. 

Leao has now scored 37.5% of Portugal’s substitute goals in World Cup history (3/8), and he was relieved to get back amongst the goals after a difficult campaign at club level. 

“I have to celebrate this with my family, because it has been a difficult season for me,” Leao added. 

“I had injuries and many other things in the mix, including the way Milan’s season went. I have to thank my family, who helped me through it, and this goal is for them.

“I put in so much work with my personal trainer, my team-mates, and I have to thank the coach for having faith in me, because Portugal have so many talented players, so I’m very happy to be here.”