Portugal national team winger Rafael Leao was shown a red card after punching a Chilean player during a friendly match at Estadio Nacional, Oeiras, on 6 June 2026.

AC Milan’s winger Rafael Leao caught the spotlight in his latest appearance for Portugal.

However, it wasn’t his dazzling play or goal contributions that drew attention—the 26-year-old was involved in a physical altercation with an opponent.

The moment occurred during Portugal’s friendly against Chile at Estadio Nacional, Oeiras, on Saturday, 6 June 2026, local time.

The supposedly friendly encounter turned heated towards the end of the first half.

Leao and Chilean defender Ivan Roman were both sent off after a series of escalating incidents.

The clash began when Joao Cancelo and Felipe Faundez exchanged kicks as Portugal attacked down the left flank.

Roman then intervened, provoking Cancelo and headbutting him, prompting Leao to step in and push Roman away.

The situation escalated further when Leao landed a punch on Roman’s face, knocking the defender to the ground.

The referee swiftly responded by issuing red cards to both players involved.

After the match, Leao explained his reasons for striking Roman.

“The first test is done. About the red card, I only wanted to protect my teammate. I never meant to hurt the opponent,” he wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.

The action of the 2021–2022 Serie A Player of the Year did not escape public scrutiny.

This incident took place as the Selecao das Quinas continued their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Local media even described the match as resembling a UFC showdown.

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez was asked whether such aggressive behaviour might resurface during the World Cup.

A Justified Reaction

Responding to his player’s conduct, Martinez defended Leao, believing his reaction came from a desire to protect Cancelo.

“Football is full of passion and emotion. Leao’s reaction was understandable,” Martinez said, as quoted by Portuguese outlet A Bola.

“He did it to defend his teammate, showing team spirit, and that’s a positive thing in helping each other.”

“Of course, we must avoid such behaviour and not get drawn into provocations.”

“This is a learning moment. I appreciate Leao’s intention to support his teammate,” Martinez continued.

“However, we must understand that in football, we play with the ball and must let other teams try to provoke us without reacting,” he emphasised.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Bruno Fernandes, who also defended Leao’s actions.

“Obviously, we don’t want any player to be sent off, but we all need to protect one another,” said the Manchester United captain.

“I think Leao did that. He saw Cancelo under pressure. He was just unlucky that during the scuffle, the Chilean player fell.”

“From this, I’ve learned the importance of supporting each other but doing so more calmly to avoid cards.”

“Still, I see the positive side—team unity will be crucial at the World Cup,” Fernandes added.

The friendly against Chile was Portugal’s first warm-up match of the month for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal won 2–1, with goals from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes, while Lucas Cepeda scored Chile’s only goal late in the game.

Next, the Selecao das Quinas will face Nigeria in Leiria on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, before heading to North America.

Roberto Martinez’s side will open their World Cup campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, United States, on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.