- February 21, 2026
Rafael Leao Remembers Meeting Cristiano Ronaldo For The First Time: ‘The Place…’
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Rafael Leao recalls his first meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo, shares insights on their Portugal connection and lauds Ronaldo as football’s greatest.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been called the greatest by Rafael Leao. (AP Photo)
Star AC Milan and Portugal winger Rafael Leao has reminisced about his first memory of meeting the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, explaining how the place went absolutely quiet when the latter walked in.
Leao revealed that the moment took place during his time with Portugal’s Under-21 team, when he was in conversation with a teammate.
Speaking to CBS Sports, Leao admitted that he was left starstruck during his first face-to-face meeting with Ronaldo.
“Yes, I think I was with Portugal’s Under-21 team and I was talking with a teammate when Cristiano walked by. And the place suddenly went quiet. He has a crazy aura. That was the first time I met him,” Leao said.
Leao also told Sky Sports Italia that Ronaldo has always been his idol, though he has not tried to replicate every aspect of his game. Leao added that he prefers setting up teammates rather than taking a shot at every chance.
“Yes, but I am not selfish. I can score goals, but if I can also provide assists, I pass to my teammate. At these levels, the numbers make the difference because Mbappe, Haaland and Messi speak for themselves. When I think like them, I will get to that level,” Leao said.
The 26-year-old has featured in 32 games alongside Ronaldo for the national team, but the duo have combined for a goal just once. Leao and Ronaldo could reunite on the big stage at the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer.
Meanwhile, Leao has made his stance clear in football’s biggest debate. When asked whether Lionel Messi winning the FIFA World Cup makes him a better player than Ronaldo, Leao said no.
“No, I don’t think that is fair. Of course, the World Cup is important for Cristiano because he never won it. But it changes nothing, Cristiano Ronaldo will remain the greatest in the history of football,” Leao said.
February 21, 2026, 07:30 IST
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