Rafael Leao is ready to leave AC Milan after the club failed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League by finishing fifth in Serie A.
The Portugal forward, who has been a key figure at San Siro since arriving from LOSC Lille in 2019, confirmed he wants a “new challenge in a new league” following a difficult season in which Milan finished fifth in Serie A.
Leao’s influence at Milan has been significant. He has scored 80 goals and provided 55 assists in 291 appearances across all competitions. Since the start of the 2019-20 season, he has been directly involved in 135 goals for the club, more than any other Milan player in that period.
However, his most recent campaign was less productive. He managed just 13 goal involvements in the 2025-26 season and started only 25 matches as Milan fell short of the top four and dropped into a UEFA Europa League place.
Speaking about his future, the 26-year-old said he feels he has already given everything to the Italian club.
“Personally, I’ve given everything at AC Milan. It’s a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through tough times,” Leao told Sport TV.
“Fortunately, I managed to make my mark in their history. Everyone has ambitions and I dream of a new challenge in a new league.”
He added that he would leave with no regrets if a move materialises.
“If that happens, I’ll be very happy and fulfilled because I did my job at AC Milan.”
For now, Leao is focused on international duty with the Portugal national football team as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“The most important thing now is the World Cup and helping the national team in any way I can,” he said.
“When the time comes, I’ll look at the best options to continue my career and keep competing at the top of European football.”
