Rafael Leão
Active- Denomination or tradition
- Catholic
- Current or last club
- Galatasaray
- Country (nationality)
- Portugal
- League or competition
- Süper Lig
- Position
- Left winger
- How is the religion known?
- Stated publicly by the player
- Last checked
- 7 October 2026
Leao posted a video highlighting his prayer and Bible reading routine for his clothing brand.
We list a player’s religion only where they have spoken about it publicly or it has been reliably reported, and we link our sources. If something is wrong, or a player’s views have changed, please tell us and we will review it.
Table of Contents
What religion is Rafael Leão?
Rafael Leão is a Portuguese professional footballer who is a practicing Catholic. He is a baptized and practicing Catholic. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Leão explained that people often assumed he was Muslim due to his skin color and Angolan heritage but clarified his true upbringing;
“I have a very close relationship with God. I am a believer, a Catholic… Before, I always went to mass on Sundays. Now it’s more difficult for me because of the games. Prayer is a part of my life.” — Leão said
Additionally, Leão has engaged in personal Bible studies alongside his agent, who is also a pastor, to deepen his understanding of scripture.
Rafael Leão is known for his dribbling and speed, and he has played for the football clubs Sporting CP (2017–2018), Lille (2018–2019), AC Milan (2019–2026), and Galatasaray (2026–). He has been a member of the Portugal national team since 2021 and has won nearly 50 caps for the team. In 2026, Rafael signed a €38 million contract with Galatasaray, securing a high-profile move to the Turkish Süper Lig after seven seasons in Italy. Leão won the UEFA Nations League in 2025 with Portugal and was named the Serie A Most Valuable Player during his time with AC Milan.
Early life
Rafael Leão was born on June 10, 1999, in Almada, Setúbal District, Portuguese Republic. He was raised by parents of African descent, with his father originating from Angola and his mother from São Tomé and Príncipe, who had immigrated to Portugal prior to his birth. He grew up in Amora alongside three siblings.
At age eight, Benfica’s youth academy attempted to secure his signing, a move his father supported as a follower of the club; however, the transfer fell through after the club failed to provide promised transport accommodations. Leão instead spent brief spells at Amora FC and Foot 21 before joining Sporting CP’s youth system at age ten.
Club career
Leão progressed through the Sporting CP youth system over approximately a decade, making his senior debut for the club’s B team at age 17 and scoring against Braga. He made his competitive first-team debut on 11 February 2018, appearing as a second-half substitute for Bryan Ruiz against Feirense, and helped the club win the Taça da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) that season. In June 2018, following a violent training ground assault on players and staff by a mob of ultra fans, Leão unilaterally terminated his contract with Sporting CP to leave as a free agent.
Ahead of the 2018–19 campaign, Lille secured Leão on a free transfer. In his solitary season in French football, he recorded 8 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances, playing an instrumental role as Lille finished the season as league runners-up behind Paris Saint-Germain.
AC Milan
On 1 August 2019, Rafael Leão joined AC Milan from Lille on a five-year contract for an initial fee of €23 million, supplemented by up to €5 million in performance-related bonuses. Following an initial adjustment period during his early campaigns, he experienced a breakout under manager Stefano Pioli during the 2021–22 season. He established himself as Milan’s primary attacking threat, scoring 11 league goals to help the club secure its first Serie A title in 11 years, which earned him the Serie A Most Valuable Player award.
Leão went on to spend a highly successful tenure at the San Siro, helping the club win the Supercoppa Italiana during the 2024–25 campaign. Over his seasons with the Rossoneri, he developed into one of the club’s most recognizable figures before completing a permanent transfer to Galatasaray in the summer of 2026.
Galatasaray
On 29 August 2026, Rafael Leão opted to join Galatasaray from AC Milan for €45 million plus €5m in add-ons after rejecting Aston Villa’s advances. He signed a four-year contract worth €10 million a year.
International career
Leão represented Portugal at every youth level from under-16 through under-21 before making his senior debut in 2021. He has continued to feature for Portugal at the senior level over the following seasons, including at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played in all five of Portugal’s matches.
Personal life
Leão holds dual Portuguese and Angolan citizenship. His father is a Semba singer, and his uncle is a DJ.
Beyond his professional football career, Leão is also a rapper and releases his music under the name WAY 45.
Sources
Sources are linked so you can check each claim yourself. Beliefs and public statements can change, so please check the source for the latest.
