AC Milan's star, Rafael Leao, has an important match today against his two friends: Moise kean and also Stefano Pioli, who is coaching La Viola.
The Portuguese left-winger is an important asset for the Rossoneri and Allegri is relying on him.
But away from the anticipating of today's match. Let's review some of his words about his childhood, life, and passion for music and football.
Here are his words:
"I used to spend entire afternoons talking and joking around with friends in the neighborhood Carrefour [super-market] parking lot. It was a simple life, like that of many kids my age, I imagine. My parents worked a lot, so being with friends wasn’t just a pastime—it was essential," he told L'officiel USA.
Leao added:
"We weren’t rich, but there were many of us, and we shared everything. If there was no rice in the house, you just had to go down one floor; you knew that someone would help you."
On playing football in a garden:
"We played football, but it wasn’t my priority."
In what ways did your upbringing influence your football career?
"I was raised in a very tough neighborhood, in a part of Lisbon where many people face serious difficulties. I’ve always lived among humble people, but despite everything, there was always a positive energy there. Even in the midst of that reality—and maybe precisely because I experienced it—I learned that you can get anywhere."
Has your family always been supportive?
"My family was, and still is, fundamental to me. They always stood by me in the most difficult moments, and for that, I will never stop being grateful."
Do you feel like you’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices for the sport? Leao answered:
"Yes, of course, but I think that’s true for every job. My father and my mother taught me that in order to achieve great things, you have to make equally great sacrifices."
Has your path to success been more about willpower or talent?
"At the beginning, talent, obviously. But then you reach a point where talent is no longer enough—you need something more. It takes a lot of hard work to reach a certain level. "
Who's the greatest player you ever played with?
"Not just one, but two: Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo."
What does the Milan shirt mean to you?
"I’ve always followed Milan," said Leao. "Even before joining the team. It’s one of the most important clubs in the world, so wearing this shirt is a dream."
You won the championship in Portugal, and then the Italian Super Cup. What does it mean to you to be a true champion?
" I couldn’t tell you whether I am one or not. I’m 26 and in the prime of my career. I know that many kids look up to me as an example, and for me, that’s better than calling myself a champion."
What’s a typical day like for you?
"Nothing complicated. I wake up early, train, eat well. I sleep a lot. A simple life to stay in shape."
Do you think there’s a link between the music you make and the way you play?
"Yes. Music expresses the things I’ve been through. Football is the joy of living what I’ve always dreamed of."
Leao, where did your love of music come from?
"From my father and my uncle, who was a DJ. I started seriously at 19, when I was playing in France with Lille. When I played in Portugal, I was close to home—there, I suddenly found myself alone. And music became good company."
What do you listen to before a game?
"A bit of everything. I look for energy everywhere."
At what age would you like to retire from football?
"I don’t know. I want to play as long as possible. When I stop, I want to spend as much time as I can with my family and live a peaceful life."
You became a father to twins in 2024. How has parenthood felt so far?
"It’s a mix of emotions. I became a father at a good moment in my life. Children are a reason to do more and to value time even more."
If you could meet your childhood self, what would you say to him?
"To dream. You can go wherever you want, as long as you work for it. Hold on tight to your parents and never stop believing."
