Rafael Leao is one of Portugal's key attackers but his start to Euro 2024 has been underwhelming.
Rafael Leao will miss Portugal's final group game at Euro 2024 (Image: Getty)
Portugal winger Rafael Leao will be forced to serve a one-game suspension after diving in his first two Euro 2024 matches. The AC Milan star was booked by the referee for simulation in both Tuesday's 2-1 win over Czechia and Saturday's clash with Turkey.
Even amongst a star-studded attack with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, Leao headed into Euro 2024 as one of Portugal's key threats at the top end of the pitch. But his tournament hasn't quite gone to plan.
In the opening game against Czechia, Leao was subbed off just after the hour mark with Portugal one goal down. During his time on the pitch, the 25-year-old picked up a yellow card for simulation. And after he was taken off, his team-mates came back to win the match.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez opted to give Leao another chance against Turkey, again throwing him in from the start on the left flank. While the team as a whole functioned more effectively than they did against Czechia, taking a two-goal lead inside half an hour, Leao was back to his old tricks.
Humiliatingly, a dive in the first half saw Leao given another booking. Having picked up two during the group stages, he will be forced to sit out Portugal's upcoming clash with Georgia.
Not only will the suspension infuriate Martinez, it could also prove costly for Leao himself. Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota and Joao Felix are among the attacking options who have been forced to make do with places on the bench so far in Germany.
If one of them slots into the starting XI and makes their mark against Georgia, Leao may find himself frozen out. To compound the red-faced wide man's misery, he was hauled off at half-time against Turkey and replaced by Neto.
Leao banked senior experience with Sporting and Lille before signing for AC Milan in 2019. Quick, powerful and skilful, he has reportedly earned admirers at a range of top sides after hitting double figures across all competitions in his last three seasons at club level.
Having been selected as the Portugal player to speak alongside Martinez ahead of the Turkey match, Leao said: "I’ve prepared mentally. I’ve always dreamed of being at the Euros, playing with our jersey on.
"We have great players. Of course I want to be in the team and help out. I want to show why I’ve been called on, and what I’ve been doing for my club is what I try to do for the national team."
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