Álvaro Magalhães, a Portuguese coach and former assistant to Giovanni Trapattoni at Benfica, has expressed his strong disapproval of Rafael Leão’s inclusion in the Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup. Magalhães believes the Milan winger’s recent season with the Rossoneri was “disastrous” and that he did not deserve a spot on the team heading to the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Magalhães finds Leão’s call-up to be the most surprising decision in coach Roberto Martinez’s squad, citing the player’s consistently poor form throughout the season.
“Rafael Leão had a disastrous season and is in poor form, but the coach always keeps the same attacking players. I think those who finish the season in the best form should be the ones chosen,” Magalhães told O Jogo.
Leão’s goal-scoring record this Serie A season has been notably weak, with his last league goal coming on March 1. In total, he has scored ten goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions for Milan this season. Furthermore, statistics suggest that Milan has performed better in terms of points earned when Leão has not been on the field. Reports also indicate that AC Milan is open to offers of at least €50 million for the winger this summer.
