Leao shares Diogo Jota story, promises to ‘make him proud’ at World Cup

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A ‘devastated’ Rafael Leao reveals Diogo Jota wanted to watch a Milan game at San Siro and insists his Portugal teammates will ‘try to make him proud’ at the upcoming World Cup.

Milan striker Leao gave an interview to CBS Sports, where he not only discussed his Milan career.

The 2026 World Cup is looming, and Portugal will be among the teams looking to win the competition. How is Leao trying to convince coach Roberto Martinez that he can be a starting striker next summer?

“I think everyone in the squad loves him,” Leao said.

“He brought Portugal to a good position in the ranking. Winning the Nations League and the World Cup is a good opportunity for us to show what we can do.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will play in his sixth World Cup. When was the first time Leao met him?

“I was with the U21 and talking to a friend of mine in the first team. Cristiano walked by, and everyone was like [remained quiet]. The aura was like…crazy. That was the first time I met him,” said the Milan star.

“I just saw him. When I went to the first team, he told me, ‘Congrats, well done.’ He’s a good person, trying to help the young players, which the team appreciates. It’s someone who, even at 41, wants to be the No.1; he’s inspiring the young players.

“The World Cup will be important to Cris because it’s a title he hasn’t won, but he’d still be the GOAT. He will do everything to achieve that goal. I’m not like the closest person to him, but I know he’s already preparing for the World Cup, 100%.”

Portugal will fly to the USA, Canada and Mexico with extra motivation as players will want to honour the late Diogo Jota, who passed away alongside his brother last year in a tragic car accident.

Leao: Diogo Jota ‘wanted to help everyone’

“Two weeks before, he was with the national team, celebrating together,” Leao recalled.

“Everyone cared about him. Sometimes he was in his corner, talking to his wife and kids. He was a good teammate who wanted to help everyone. I used to ask him about a few things. He also asked me for tickets for his family to come here and watch a Milan game; it’s devastating.

“The World Cup was a competition he wanted to be in, but I think every game we think about him. What if he was there celebrating? How would he have scored? We think about him every game.

“Other teammates who are closer are helping his family, his wife, because of course it’s a difficult situation. As you said, in the World Cup, we’ll try to do the maximum for him and make him proud.”

Leao has scored five goals in 43 appearances for Portugal.

The 26-year-old has netted nine goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this term.