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Football Insider

I started crying! - The Heartbreak of Rafael Leao's Failed Benfica Dream

Discover the emotional journey of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao as he opens up about his shattered dreams at Benfica and his ultimate move to Sporting CP.

I started crying! - The Heartbreak of Rafael Leao's Failed Benfica Dream

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao revealed he was close to signing for his boyhood dream club Benfica, but the move fell through after the club failed to keep their promise of sending a van to pick him up for training. The setback left Leao in tears and ultimately led him to join Benfica’s arch-rivals Sporting CP, where he would go on to make his senior debut before eventually leaving Portugal.

1

The Dream Begins

Rafael Leao, a promising young talent, was on the brink of realizing his childhood dream of playing for Benfica, one of Portugal's most prestigious clubs. A deal was in the works, and everything seemed to be falling into place.

2

The Devastating Setback

However, Leao's dream turned into a nightmare when Benfica failed to keep their promise of providing transportation for his training sessions. Day after day, Leao found himself waiting for a van that never arrived, causing immense frustration and disappointment.

3

Tears and Choices

The heartbreak became too much to bear for Leao, who eventually broke down in tears over the shattered opportunity. With a heavy heart, he made the difficult decision to walk away from Benfica and seek a new path.

4

A Rival's Embrace

In a surprising turn of events, Rafael Leao found solace in the arms of Benfica's fierce rivals, Sporting CP. It was at Sporting where Leao would find the support and opportunity he had been yearning for, eventually making his senior debut and showcasing his immense talent.

5

Beyond Borders

Rafael Leao's journey did not end in Portugal, as his talent and determination caught the eye of AC Milan, where he continues to shine on the big stage. Despite the heartbreak of his failed Benfica dream, Leao's story is a testament to resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Published on September 22, 2025