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Milan star Rafael Leao on why he always smiles, meeting Kanye West and fighting racism

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated 3/4/24

Milan star Rafael Leao explains why he always smiles on the pitch, opens up about meeting Kanye West, and dreams of a world ‘without racism.’

Leao spoke about his personal life and career in an interview with Il Corriere della Sera. It was released last week when the 24-year-old launched his book, ‘Smile’ during an event in Milan.

First of all, Leao was asked why he always smiled on the pitch.

“I tell my own story. I am only 24, and I know there is still a lot to write about, especially as a footballer, but I’d like to explain to the fans who I really am and why I smile,” he replied.

“There are people who have no water. When you can walk and have food and somebody loves you, life is a smile. I have everything and even more. God gave me a gift and I am grateful. My job is to play football, and I have fulfilled my childhood dream. How could I not smile?”

However, football is not Leao’s only passion and the Portugal international is not planning to remain in the football world at the end of his playing career.

“Surely I won’t remain in football when I retire. I’ve been in this environment for 10 years and had many experiences. I want to stay away from this sort of stress, stay close to my family and focus on other passions I have,” which include music and fashion.

“I became a rap fan by listening to songs on my mobile. I was crazy for Eminem as a kid. Then I started writing songs. I knew Kanye West before Genoa-Milan. Now there is football; in the future, we’ll see,” he continued.

Leao was targeted by a racist Milan fan on Instagram only a few weeks ago and was supported by the Rossoneri on social media.

“There are too many people like this, unfortunately. It’s a lack of education at school and within the family,” said the striker.

Rafael Leao reveals what Milan coach Pioli ‘always’ tells him and why he doesn’t call Cardinale

“He doesn’t even know what he did and this is the problem. Racists don’t even realise they are racists.”

However, Leao feels this issue does not affect Italy only.

“Unfortunately, racism is everywhere this is why we footballers must do something given that we have popularity,” he admitted.

“We must use this strength and send signals. Milan are very sensible about this and you saw it after what happened with Mike Maignan in Udine. We did the right thing. It was right to left the pitch.”

Fighting racism is a prerogative for the Portuguese forward who also has Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela tattoos.

“To us black people, they are two great men who fought until the end to make everyone understand that we are all the same. I wanted to have their messages on me forever. I have many dreams, one of which is a world without racism,” admitted the 24-year-old.

“I am a God believer, I am catholic. Many thought I was Muslim, maybe because of my skin or my African roots. I used to go to mass every Sunday, but now I can no longer do it because of games, but prayers are part of my life.”

Regarding his long-term football career targets, Leao said: “I must win important things to grow further. The Champions League or Europa League. Nice things are forgotten too easily, so we must win as much as possible every year. When you are at Milan, it’s not a choice, it’s an obligation, to leave your name in history.”

Why is he often associated with a surfer on social media?

“I’ve never surfed in my life, but it’s a way of living because a surfer tries again and again, he never gives up,” he replied.

“The wave arrives sooner or later and you must be ready when it comes.”

Leao insisted that picking the No.10 last summer did not put more pressure on him. On the contrary, “It gives me more strength. The Number 10 is football.”

Lastly, he spoke about love relationships and why he hasn’t had one that lasts in time.

“I can’t entirely open my heart, I fear somebody can hurt me. I can’t let myself go or build something that lasts in time. But I know I want to have kids before I turn 30. Maybe I am scared that kids would feel the same as me. Grow up in the same places and see parents splitting up. I’d like to transmit that love relationship I didn’t experience.”

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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