Six years of brilliance, bursts, and plays that made San Siro fall in love. Six years in which Rafael Leao became one of the symbols of modern Milan, able to break games open with a sprint and decide a league title, like in 2021/22, through flashes of pure talent. Yet there is still one unresolved question in his Rossoneri journey: the real weight of his goals in big matches.
Leao in big matches: the numbers
This is not criticism or a label. It is a fact. In major clashes, Leao has scored less than expected for a player of his level. Across 102 total games against Atalanta, Roma, Juventus, Inter, and Napoli, the Portuguese forward has scored only 11 goals, roughly one every ten matches. The schedule now gives Milan’s number 10 another chance, a new stage, an invitation to seize the spotlight when it matters most, and especially now, when the team needs him.
For Milan, Sunday’s home game against Roma at San Siro is crucial. Heavy points, intense atmosphere, strong opponent, Serie A leaders. It is in nights like these that a technical leader must become a complete one, as happened a few weeks ago against Fiorentina.
If not now, when?
Leao has always had the instinct of a champion, but now he must ignite it again when the stage is biggest and all eyes are on him. There is also another layer of tension before kickoff: it is not even certain he will start, due to the hip inflammation that forced him off at halftime against Atalanta. His condition is not ideal, the staff are monitoring him daily, but Rafa is pushing through. He wants to be there. He wants to make an impact, even for a few minutes. Because some matches call your name, and he knows it.
After six years, the “big match” issue is not a stigma, it is a barrier to break. And Sunday could be the day Rafa decides to change the story. Because if not now, when?
