AC Milan star Rafael Leao sent off for punching opponent in friendly warm-up for 2026 World Cup

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 7, 2026

LISBON, PORTUGAL – JUNE 06: Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal speaks to Guillermo Maripan #3 and Ivan Roman #5 of Chile during the international friendly match between Portugal and Chile at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on June 06, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Milan star Rafael Leao lost his head during Portugal’s friendly match against Chile when he was sent off for punching Ivan Roman in the face.

The incident occurred just before half-time in the match in Oeiras, a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Leao was in the starting XI, which had not been the case for the last few Milan matches, as he was either suspended or dropped by coach Max Allegri.

Red card highlights Leao attitude problem

LISBON, PORTUGAL – JUNE 06: Felipe Faundez #26 of Chile battles for possession Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal during the international friendly match between Portugal and Chile at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on June 06, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

He has expressed frustration in recent weeks with his situation at San Siro, stating that he wanted a new challenge in the Premier League or LaLiga.

This game and the World Cup were meant to be opportunities for Leao to show what he can do and bump up his transfer valuation.

Instead, it turned into a debacle and highlighted the attitude problems that have made Milan not particularly eager to keep hold of the winger.