Rafael Leao has openly stated his intention to leave AC Milan in the near future. In a recent interview, he shared that he feels he has “given everything I have” to the club and is now seeking “a new challenge in a new league.”
This comes at a time of significant uncertainty for AC Milan, who are currently without a head coach, sporting director, technical director, and CEO. Reports suggest that several key players, including Leao, might follow suit.
Leao has spent seven seasons at the San Siro, achieving Scudetto success and earning the league’s MVP award in the 2021-22 season. However, his performance reportedly declined after being moved from a left-wing position to a center-forward role under Massimiliano Allegri in 2025-26.
With AC Milan failing to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season, Italian newspapers are speculating that this could be an opportune moment for Leao to seek a transfer.
The Portugal international has consistently expressed his “ambitions” to play in a different league outside of Serie A at some point in his career. He recently stated his desire to continue playing “at the highest levels in Europe.”
While he has not definitively confirmed his departure this summer, Leao has made it clear that he plans to play elsewhere in the near future.
“Personally, I think I’ve already given everything I have in Milan,” Leao commented in an interview with Sport TV, as reported by Sky. “It’s a club that helped me to grow, that supported me in difficult moments, and fortunately, I’ve also managed to write my name in Rossoneri history.”
“I believe that everyone has dreams, ambitions, and challenges to face. I aspire to have a new challenge in a new league. And if that were to happen, I’d be very happy. Also because I know I did a good job at Milan.”
In the immediate future, Leao’s focus is on the 2026 World Cup with Portugal.
“The most important thing for me now is the World Cup. I want to have a good World Cup and help my national team. And then, when the time comes, I will study the best options for the future of my career, to continue competing at the highest level in Europe.”