Rafael Leao is wrapped in a light gray tracksuit and wears a dark hat pulled low over his forehead. The colours that define him most are unseen: the red and black of his soul and heart.
Rafael defines himself and speaks like a true Milanista. It's a sentiment that has grown with him: when he arrived at Milan in the summer of 2019, he was a talented young player. Today, he is a veteran and a father. No longer a player of two faces, distracted or decisive, Rafa now makes an impact, participates, supports his teammates, and sets them up to score. He was crucial in winning the Super Cup, and his entrance in the final changed the game.
Yet, two different Leaos still exist:
"My twins. They are so different from each other, and you can already tell even in the first months. Thiago is more restless, while Leonardo is like me: he sleeps a lot, is calm and quiet, and enjoys observing. He’ll be a kid who knows his place. My children are my strength, the most beautiful thing in the world. I wanted to be a father before I turned 25, and they arrived at just the right time. It's an incredible but challenging experience because I can’t see them every day. I have the example of my dad, who was always there for me. Let’s hope at least one of them becomes a footballer...," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
First video to show them: dad Rafa stepping in and deciding the Super Cup derby?
"I don’t think about myself. The most powerful image I’ll carry from Riyadh is of the whole group celebrating Abraham’s goal. A shared moment of joy. It’s a memory I’ll keep forever and certainly share with my children."
Has Conceição restored a sense of unity and sharing in just a few days?
"He brought energy and a new mentality. That’s how we managed to win the Super Cup, and doing so was important for everyone, for those of us who have been here a long time and for the new arrivals, who now understand what it means to lift a trophy with Milan. I’ve already won a Scudetto here, which is the greatest achievement after the Champions League, but I’ve never been able to put into words what I felt. Now, everyone has experienced those emotions, and we must continue on this path. Winning a derby like that was fantastic, it reminded us that we’re on the right track to add more important titles to our cabinet."
After the 2021-22 Scudetto, did you ever think you’d have to wait two and a half years to celebrate another trophy?
"It was tough, but sometimes football is like that. With this new direction (referring to the change in ownership), the ambition has always been to win, but certain processes take time. Finally, we’ve claimed an important trophy like the Super Cup, and now we need to keep doing things the right way. Wearing this jersey in every match is both a responsibility and an honor. Everyone is doing a great job."
So, will you have to wait another two and a half years for the next trophy?
"Certainly not. Something in us has changed."
What is it?
"The energy and mentality I mentioned earlier were evident against Juve and Inter. Those who were sidelined due to injury chose to be 'in' the team, contributing from the stands: it was an extra step forward. A message for us and for others. And, indeed, I feel that now, before stepping onto the pitch, even our opponents perceive us differently. The two comeback victories confirm it."
You speak like a true Milanista…
"When I arrived here, I already supported Milan a bit, the team that so many important players I admired as a kid had played for. I quickly understood the fans' passion and what it meant to wear this jersey, which carries a special weight. I thought to myself that I wanted to stay here for years and win trophies. Now, I can only thank those who brought me to Milan and those who have helped me improve and grow as a player and as a person every day."
You feel good at Milan, for now and for the future…
"Yes, let’s hope so."
Scudetto and Italian Super Cup: in the Rossoneri shirt, you’ve won as much as Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Will you remind him of that? Leao responded:
"Never. (laughs) Zlatan is too important; he keeps telling me I need to raise my level every chance I get to try to always win. He’s had a career full of successes, and I can’t compare myself to him, he’s an example for me and for everyone. He knows what it takes to win and tries to pass it on to each of us."
Sérgio Conceição has called you a ‘phenomenon’ and said you’ll become ‘one of the best in the world.’ Were his words gratifying?
"My goal is to be at the top and close to the best. If the coach is good, he can help me, but the rest depends on me. I try to put my qualities at the team’s service. Conceição doesn’t always joke around, but he knows how to push me, and he’ll help me reach a higher level. We’re betting heavily on him. I’m ready to listen and follow his ideas, which are good, considering he came in and, within days, we won a trophy. Now, we need to think match by match and maintain the positive energy we felt in Saudi Arabia. We must keep it up."
It seems like a clear break from Fonseca’s management. What didn’t work with him?
"I have nothing to say about our player-coach relationship, although at the beginning, there were a couple of situations, not problems, but situations, that we had to resolve. He tried to do his job and implement his ideas, and I believe there’s always something to learn. But it didn’t work out, and whether he should have stayed or not wasn’t my decision. I can say, though, that everyone tried to give their best, and I wish Fonseca all the best."
Even though he benched you three times in a row in Serie A? Did that make you angry, or did it fuel you? Leao commented:
"A bit of both. I think at least an explanation for three consecutive benches could have been given, but sometimes coaches make those decisions. It was the first time it happened to me at Milan, and I learned from it. If it happens again, and I hope not because I always want to be on the pitch, I’ll be more aware of what I need to do, which is to stay focused, not get down, or lose confidence in myself, which is the most important thing for performing well in our job. In any case, the past is the past, and I’m looking forward with confidence."
I believe at least an explanation for three consecutive games on the bench could be given, but sometimes coaches operate like this. On Monday in Riyadh, we saw a Ballon d'Or-worthy Leão. Just like at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid or at the end of the 2021-22 season, when he almost single-handedly won the last six games. Why isn’t Leão always like this? Are those who call him too inconsistent right?
"You can’t always play at your best: there are also 'normal' matches or games where you accomplish very little. In recent years, I’ve realized that football has changed: stats matter a lot, and people look at goals and assists more than overall performance. I’m trying to be more ruthless in front of goal to add another quality to my game and reach the level of the top players."
Do you dream of the Ballon d’Or?
"Of course, but for me, the most important thing is to win a major trophy with the team. The Ballon d’Or is a consequence of the results with your club. That’s why my main ambition is to win the Champions League. And to do that, I know I have to make a difference in every game and be important for Milan."
Speaking of the Ballon d’Or, who would you have given it to in 2024?
"To Vinícius."
Meanwhile, tomorrow the chase resumes in Serie A. Ready to climb back into the Champions League spots? Leao responded:
"When we returned, the coach spoke to us and told us to stay grounded. We take it game by game, but I personally feel a new spark. Conceição has already proven he can achieve great things: he’s won many trophies in his career and has already done so with us. He’s brought his experience, and now we want to keep winning as Milan should. We’ve gone back to working hard because there’s a battle ahead to finish in the top four."
Now Milan needs to be consistent, without the ups and downs of the past, right?
"Exactly."
Tomorrow you’ll present the Supercoppa to the fans, a night to remember.
"Every time I step onto the San Siro pitch wearing this jersey, it’s pure joy. I only think about winning something big, helping the team move forward, and creating more beautiful and unforgettable moments. When you achieve that... you get the urge to win again, together, as soon as possible."
Is lifting the Champions League an unrealistic goal at the moment?
"In Europe, our ambition is to go as far as possible, but we’ll need the real Milan every time. The Champions League is the most beautiful trophy in football, and from now on, every match is a final. Yes, we can dream of winning something significant. Nothing is impossible."
Any dedications?
"To my family, who helped me get back up, and to my teammates, who support me every day. But also to Ibra and the coach, who care about me and want me to improve in every aspect."
And to think you seemed destined to be just a spectator in Riyadh, yet... Leao replied:
"Honestly, I thought I could play in the final, but I knew playing against Juve would’ve been a big risk. Mentally, the medical staff, the coach, and his team put me in the ideal conditions to do a great job. They gave me energy and the right mentality, telling me we wouldn’t return before Monday (the day of the final). They were excellent, and I thank the doctors and physiotherapists for what they did. This is also why I say it was a victory for everyone."
Let’s close with the harshest criticism and the best compliment you’ve received this season.
"We young players try not to listen to criticism, but sometimes it reaches you anyway. I never want to let it affect me. The best compliments are those from the team, the coach, Milan’s management, and my family."
And after Monday, did you receive many?
"Yes, and I liked it..."
