Rafael Leao Confirms AC Milan Exit: “Time For A New Challenge”

Leao announces Milan departure

Leao ended his AC Milan chapter with 50+ goals and 40+ assists. The 26-year-old forward says he’ll decide his next club after focusing on Portugal at the World Cup.

After 7 seasons, 200+ appearances and a Serie A title, Rafael Leao announced he’ll leave AC Milan. The Portugal winger eyes England, Spain or Saudi Arabia next...

Rafael Leao confirmed Saturday that his AC Milan chapter is over. The Portugal winger said he’s “given everything” to the club and now wants “a new challenge in a new league” once the World Cup wraps up.

In an interview with Sport TV, the 26-year-old attacker spoke plainly and made his intentions clear.

“Personally, I've given everything at AC Milan. It's a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through tough times. Fortunately, I managed to make my mark in their history. Everyone has ambitions and I dream of a new challenge in a new league. If that happens, I'll be very happy and fulfilled because I did my job at AC Milan,” Leao began, speaking at an event promoting his clothing brand, which was attended by incoming Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda.

 

When asked if England, Spain, or Saudi Arabia was his top choice, the Milan forward shifted focus to the 2026 World Cup instead.

“The most important thing now is the World Cup and helping the national team in any way I can. When the time comes, I'll look at the best options to continue my career and keep competing at the top of European football,” he said.

Leão plans to leave Milan after seven years of rapid growth that made him one of football’s most feared wingers. He joined San Siro from Lille in 2019 for €35m plus Tiago Djalo, and became the driving force behind Milan’s 2021/22 Serie A title, earning league MVP honors that season.

Wearing Milan’s iconic No. 10 over the years, Leao made over 200 appearances and cemented his place in club history. He scored 50+ goals, set up 40+ assists, and led the Rossoneri to a Champions League semi-final in 2023.

Rafael Leão diz que o seu tempo no Milan chegou ao fim 🤯

Por onde passa o futuro do craque português?#sporttvportugal pic.twitter.com/bQ24ejgxEs

— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) May 30, 2026

Milan missing out on Champions League qualification in the just-finished 2025/26 season ultimately confirmed it was time for the Portuguese forward to move on.

Even with Milan’s mixed results over the last two years and plenty of big-money interest from elsewhere, the winger stayed one of the team’s most creative and dangerous attackers. But his output dipped this season, with 10 goals and 3 assists in 31 games across all competitions.

Now 26 and a proven star at San Siro, Rafa Leao wants to exit Milan feeling fulfilled. He’s ready for the next chapter stamped in his passport - whether that’s another top European league or Saudi Arabia.