Key Takeaways:
- Rafael Leao’s former Sporting CP youth coach Tiago Fernandes stated that “only Cristiano Ronaldo” matched Leao’s talent and potential in the Lisbon academy
- Leao has scored 5 league goals this season as a centre-forward in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2, contributing to Milan’s 1-0 win over Lazio on Saturday and their climb to the top of Serie A
- Fernandes insisted that Leao has “almost always” been a no.9 and backed him to score a lot of goals this season in a Milan side he says is ideal for the forward
Leao’s Impact on Milan’s Early-Season Form
Rafael Leao is playing a central role in Milan’s strong start to the Serie A campaign, with the Rossoneri sitting at the summit of the table after a 1-0 victory against Lazio on Saturday.
That result, combined with Napoli’s 1-0 win over Roma, has lifted Milan into first place. The top of the standings remains extremely congested, with four teams covered by just a single point.
Tiago Fernandes: "Ho allenato Leao dai 12 anni. Solo Cristiano Ronaldo, a Lisbona, aveva quel talento li a quell'età"https://t.co/t5aCTmZoCt
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) December 1, 2025
From Injury Setback to Centre-Forward Breakthrough
Leao’s season began in difficult fashion on a personal level. He was sidelined for over a month after suffering an injury against Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia in August, interrupting his rhythm in the opening phase of the campaign.
Since returning, however, the Portuguese attacker has built momentum and established himself as a key figure operating as a centre-forward in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2 system. He has already recorded 5 league goals, placing him in joint-second in the race for the Serie A golden boot alongside Christian Pulisic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nico Paz and Riccardo Orsolini.
| Player | Club | League goals this season |
|---|---|---|
| Lautaro Martinez | Inter | 6 |
| Rafael Leao | Milan | 5 |
| Christian Pulisic | Milan | 5 |
| Hakan Calhanoglu | Inter | 5 |
| Nico Paz | Como | 5 |
| Riccardo Orsolini | Bologna | 5 |
Fernandes: Leao Has Always Been a No.9
Tiago Fernandes, who oversaw Leao’s development at Sporting CP for several years, underlined that the Milan star thriving as a central striker is entirely in keeping with his youth profile.
“I coached him from the age of 12 in practically every age group in the Sporting youth team. In Lisbon, only Cristiano Ronaldo had the same talent at that age. He’s undoubtedly the best player I’ve ever had,” he said in an interview with TMW.
For Fernandes, Leao’s role through the middle is a natural evolution rather than a positional experiment. “His playing as a striker is nothing new. Rafa is a no.9, he almost always played there. As a kid, he reminded me of Ronaldo ‘O Fenomeno’: The speed, the technique, the quality in finishing,” Tiago Fernandes continued.
Versatility, Work Ethic and a System Built for Leao
Fernandes also emphasised Leao’s capacity to operate across the frontline and his suitability for elite-level football:
“Leao can play anywhere, and for the best clubs in the world. He can do it for any team. It’s exciting to see him shine in San Siro. The many hours of hard work on the pitch are paid off. We were both very important to each other, and I’m really happy that he’s a star for a great club like Milan.
“Allegri’s side is perfect for bringing out his qualities. I’m convinced that he will score a lot of goals this season and be happy.”
