Leao didn’t deserve World Cup spot after ‘disastrous’ season with Milan, says Portuguese coach

Portuguese coach Álvaro Magalhães believes Milan star Rafael Leão did not deserve a spot in the Portugal national team squad for the 2026 World Cup due to his ‘disastrous’ season with the Rossoneri.

Leão has been included in the Portugal World Cup squad by coach Roberto Martinez, but according to Álvaro Magalhães, a former assistant coach of Giovanni Trapattoni at Benfica, the Milan winger did not deserve a place in the team travelling to the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.

Magalhães is so disappointed with Leão’s season with Milan that he feels the winger’s call-up was the biggest surprise in Martinez’s squad.

“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 hasn’t scored a Serie A goal since March 1 and has netted ten times in 30 appearances across all competitions this season, providing three assists.

A recent stat has highlighted that Milan have earned more points when Leão has not been on the field this season, and, according to multiple reports, the Rossoneri will listen to offers of at least €50m for him this summer.