Leao goal Portugal

Why there is encouragement that 2024-25 could still be one of Leao’s best seasons

Photo by UEFA

As he always does, Rafael Leao has spent most of the season under the microscope with fans and pundits wondering if it will be the one he explodes in.

As we head towards February, the answer has not yet been forthcoming, but with a change in head coach having come a few weeks prior there is a reason for optimistic outlook, just like there is on the Fair Play App.

Changing coaches

Sergio Conceicao’s presence is already showing signs of a positive impact on the winger. It was love at first sight for the pair and a relationship, one that was never present with Paulo Fonseca, is already blossoming.

Fonseca came in during the summer and – despite visiting the winger during his training camp with Portugal – the feeling is that they never really gelled together. From the style of play desired to the decision to bench him for a few games in a row, Leao probably never felt at his best.

Since the arrival of the former Porto coach, his performances have been maturing, and he has been decisive in several moments, which was difficult to say during Fonseca’s time.

Of course, there are still moments when the Portuguese drops off, but this is arguably where further reinforcement is needed – especially on the front-line – as he cannot be solely relied upon.

Conceicao is certain that the former Lille man can be one of the world’s best. The only thing left to unlock is full consistency and the 50-year-old will hope to do that, and in doing so, the Portuguese could fulfil his potential.

Encouraging numbers

Rafael Leao had his name in lights again on Wednesday night as he scored the winner for the Rossoneri against Girona at San Siro.

Leão has scored a goal in each of the last three Champions League matches: as many as in all the previous 24 games played in the competition.

Before him, the last AC Milan player to score in three consecutive Champions League matches was Zlatan Ibrahimovic: five in a row between 2011 and 2012.

Since Milan returned to the Champions League (2021-22), no Rossonero has scored more goals than Rafael Leão in the competition (six, like Olivier Giroud).

With his goal against Girona, the former Lille man moved into the top 20 scorers in Milan’s all-time history (all competitions) with 66 goals. The Portuguese winger overtook Angelo Sormani, with Giovanni Moretti (67 goals) next up on the list.

Tags AC Milan Rafael Leao
Serie A Standings

Live football scores . Current table, fixtures & results.