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Video: Leao’s confusion as Milan star leaves the field by mistake vs. Udinese
TL;DR
Rafael Leao mistakenly left the pitch during a Serie A match against Udinese, believing he was substituted when he saw the No.10 on the electronic board. It was actually Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese being taken off.
Video: Leao’s confusion as Milan star leaves the field by mistake vs. Udinese
Rafael Leao briefly left the pitch by mistake against Udinese on Saturday after seeing No.10 on the electronic board, but then realised it was Bianconeri star Nicolò Zaniolo who was being taken off.
Milan star Leao thought he had been subbed off at minute 66 of a home Serie A match against Udinese on Saturday.
The Rossoneri were 2-0 down when the Portuguese saw No.10 on the electronic board on the other side of the pitch.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As shown by DAZN, Leao thought he was the one being replaced, so he left the field, pulled down his sock, and even removed his shin guard before realising that the electronic board was signalling an Udinese substitution, with the Bianconeri’s No.10, Zaniolo, taken off.
Leao quickly returned to the field, but was still subbed off ten minutes later, and booed by the San Siro crowd.
Questo fa capire palesemente quanto Leao fosse fuori con la testa dalla partita (e anche quanto sapesse di aver fatto male, malissimo).. pic.twitter.com/Nm4Vq354im
Q&A
Why did Rafael Leao leave the field during the match against Udinese?
Rafael Leao left the field because he mistakenly thought he was being substituted after seeing the No.10 on the electronic board.
What was the score when Leao left the pitch against Udinese?
The score was 2-0 in favor of Udinese when Rafael Leao left the pitch.
Who was actually substituted when Leao thought he was being taken off?
Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese was the player being substituted, not Rafael Leao.
