“NO! PLEASE TELL ME IT’S NOT TRUE!” — Emotional Rafael Leão COLLAPSES in Tears After SHOCKING Air India 171 Tragedy Sends Waves Through AC Milan Camp
BREAKING NEWS: In what is turning out to be one of the most emotionally devastating days in recent memory, tragedy struck just moments before AC Milan’s scheduled training session when reports emerged that Air India Flight 171 had crashed en route, leaving a trail of sorrow, confusion, and heartbreak in its wake. But what truly shattered the hearts of millions—especially within the AC Milan family—was what happened just 10 minutes later in Milan.
According to initial reports, Air India Flight 171, which was traveling from New Delhi to Milan, lost communication mid-flight and tragically went down under unclear circumstances. The flight was carrying over 200 passengers, including multiple international travelers and family members of prominent sports figures. But what nobody at AC Milan expected was the personal nightmare this would turn into for Portuguese superstar Rafael Leão.
Just 10 minutes after the news broke, Leão’s family members in Milan received the harrowing confirmation that one of the unnamed casualties aboard the doomed aircraft was closely related to the winger. Eyewitnesses at the Milanello training ground reported seeing Leão run out of the dressing room, sobbing uncontrollably after receiving a phone call. He was said to have collapsed onto the pitch, screaming “No, no, no! Don’t tell me that’s true!” as teammates and staff rushed to his side.
Sources close to the club have confirmed that Leão’s older cousin, who had raised him like a brother and was en route to Milan to surprise him ahead of the new Serie A season, was aboard Flight 171. The news has left the entire AC Milan squad, coaching staff, and fanbase in absolute disbelief. A team spokesperson, barely able to hold back tears, said:
> “We stand with Rafael during this unimaginable loss. Football doesn’t matter today. Family does. Life does.”
As word spread across Italy and Portugal, thousands of fans have gathered outside San Siro and Milanello with candles, flowers, and messages of support for the heartbroken forward. On social media, the hashtag #StayStrongLeão has already begun trending worldwide, with fans and fellow footballers sending prayers, condolences, and emotional tributes.
Leão himself, known for his electrifying pace and vibrant smile, has been eerily silent since the tragic revelation. A source close to him stated:
> “Rafa is broken. That man was more than family to him — he was his second father. He was coming to Milan to watch Rafa play for the first time live. Now… this happens.”
AC Milan has reportedly postponed all press activities and closed-door sessions for the next 48 hours, allowing players time to process the tragedy. Club legends including Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf, and Andriy Shevchenko have all privately reached out to Leão to offer their support.
Fans are now calling on Serie A authorities to grant Leão compassionate leave and are pushing for a minute’s silence at the next Milan match, with many hoping the club wears black armbands in memory of the victims of Air India 171.
Football is often a game of emotions—but today, the world of football is united in grief. The beautiful game has paused to mourn alongside one of its brightest stars.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rafael Leão, his family, and everyone affected by the heartbreaking tragedy of Air India Flight 171.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.