So much so that new AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca benched Leão in their poor 2-2 draw with Lazio. During a water break, both Rafael Leão and Theo Hernandez did not rejoin the team for instructions from Fonseca, which caught the attention of fans and pundits.

Paolo Di Canio blasted the pair, stating, “Here we are talking about serious things; this is a disgrace in my opinion. You are not at an after-work team where you can do what you want. Here you are at Milan. We are talking about Theo and Leão; one of them is often the captain too. But what are you doing? Your teammates will have felt downgraded by your attitude.”

Rafael Leão Hits Back on X

Taking to X, Rafael Leão posted an image of Di Canio performing a Nazi salute. On March 1, 2001, Di Canio made the gesture after scoring a goal for Lazio in a Serie A match against Napoli. The salute was controversial due to its association with fascism, although Di Canio later claimed it was meant as a salute to Lazio fans, not a political statement.

Leão’s post was intended to “hit back” and criticize Di Canio for his statement. AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca has since tried to defuse the situation.

“I have already spoken to Theo. I don’t tell lies; you know me, I’m always sincere and honest. There is no problem with Theo and Rafa. They didn’t start the match, but I spoke to them during the week, and they understood. They came in well because I think if there had been a problem, they wouldn’t have come in like that,” Fonseca stated.

AC Milan bagged wins against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and a penalty kick shootout win over Barcelona. Against Barcelona, the team’s best attacking trio was on display in Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic, and Samuel Chukwueze.

The result was smooth passing and a new role for Pulisic, being creative down the middle; the end result was a fantastic performance by the American.

Christian Pulisic scores against Barcelona

It was only a few days ago that Rafael Leão had stated to ESPN he was hopeful that Pulisic would play down the middle more this season. “I am not a coach, but I prefer Pulisic as a #10 because he can shoot with both feet and has good vision for the role.”

Pulisic not only scored but also assisted on a goal in a 62-minute appearance.The player showcased a solid performance with 25 touches and demonstrated precision in his passing, completing 88% of his 17 attempted passes.

For Pulisic, he is hopeful for a great second season at AC Milan after 15 goals in 50 games last season, the best in his career. Pulisic is also hopeful that a strong start to the season will wipe the egg off his face after the USMNT completely disappointed in the summer’s Copa America.

Besides that, El Merengue with a value of more than $1.6 billion, are the most valuable soccer club brand and, with a score of 94 out of 100, arealso the strongest in the world, according to the latest ranking prepared by the consultancy Brand Finance.

The fact thatKylian Mbappe rejected Real Madrid’s offer and renewed his contract with PSG was a hard blow for El Madridismo and the club. However, Florentino Perez did not stand idly by and apparently has already arranged his first signing for next season and would also be willing to pay 120 million euros for a forward.

The two players who could join Real Madrid next season

Aurelien Tchouameni

Sooner or later, Real Madrid’s midfield will have to change, and the club’s officials know it. Toni Kroos is 32 years old, Luka Modric is 36, and Casemirois 30. That is why Real Madrid have been looking for long-term replacements. First, with the signing of Eduardo Camavinga last season and now, everything seems to indicate that the Aurelien Tchouameni will join La Casa Blanca.

Tchouameni wouldjoin Real Madrid this summer on a 5-year deal, a deal worth around 80,000,000 euros plus bonuses. The 22-year-old Frenchman is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. El Merengue and the player have already agreed on personal terms but there has not been an agreement with Monaco yet.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Liverpool, and PSG are other teams that wanted to sign the player. The only problem for Real Madrid is that Tchouameni is still the French team’s main target and would be willing to offer Monaco a significant amount of money.

Rafael Leao

In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Real Madrid want to sign Rafael Leao. The Portuguese forward has just won the Serie A title with Milanand was named the best player of the tournament. The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 games played in Serie A this season.

The Italian newspaper reported that the player has a release clause of 150,000,000 euros and that Real Madrid would be willing to pay 120,000,000 euros for him. Leao has a contract with Milan until 2024, and the Italian club’s officials want to renew his contract until 2026. Only time will tell if Leao signs for Real Madrid to set up the trident alongside Benzemaand Vinicius Junior.