Video: Leao’s confusion as Milan star leaves the field by mistake vs. Udinese | OneFootball

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.