Portugal star Leão trains at Corinthians' training centre

Portugal national team gets spotlight training at Corinthians' training centre

Rafael Leão, striker for the Portugal national team, spent two days in Brazil to stay fit and trained at Corinthians' Dr. Joaquim Grava training centre, receiving a custom black‑and‑white shirt. The visit took place on July 24, 2026, shortly after the 0‑1 loss to Spain (2026‑07‑06). Leão, who plays for Milan, used the Timão facilities to prepare for upcoming national team duties.

Why did Leão choose Corinthians?

The player told the PodPah podcast that he feels a strong connection to Brazilian culture, especially Rio, but would only consider playing for a club in São Paulo state. "I liked Corinthians a lot, the people there were very friendly with me, the facilities were excellent," Leão said. Corinthians' football executive Marcelo Paz handed the shirt to the player, strengthening the bond between the striker and the club's fans.

Impact on Portugal's form

With the Portugal national team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, every training session matters. The team's last result was a 0‑1 defeat to Spain on July 6, 2026, and recent form reads 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses (LLWWD, with the last two matches lost). Keeping Leão in top shape could be decisive before the next fixture against Wales, scheduled for September 24, 2026, at home.

What comes next?

Beyond training, Leão joined a chat on PodPah, leaving the door open for a possible future Brazilian club, though he made clear he would only consider a club in São Paulo state. Meanwhile, Portugal stays focused on preparatory friendlies, aiming to improve the result streak before the World Cup debut. The Corinthians visit may give a morale boost to both the player and the squad, which is still seeking to regain confidence after two consecutive defeats.

Media and social reaction

Leão's presence at the Timão's training centre sparked huge buzz on social media, with photos and videos spreading quickly. The club also posted the custom shirt image, highlighting the connection between the player and the fans. Comments from supporters underline the significance of having a Portugal national team player training on Brazilian soil, signaling a cultural link that could translate into support for the national side in upcoming matches.

As the next match against Wales draws near, Portugal has the chance to turn preparation into positive results. Leão's stint in Brazil, backed by Corinthians' fanbase, could be one of the factors helping the team reverse its recent slump before the 2026 World Cup kickoff.