Why Leao did not celebrate after putting Milan 2-0 up against Parma

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan talks during an interview prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Rafael Leao scored a penalty to send Milan 2-0 up in their eventual 2-2 draw against Parma on Saturday evening, but appeared not to celebrate his goal after a brief psychological battle with opposition goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. 

Why Leao didn’t celebrate penalty against Parma

The Rossoneri eventually had to settle for a point away against Parma on Saturday night, despite the fact that they took a two-goal lead during the first 45 minutes at the Tardini Stadium. 

Alexis Saelemaekers struck first for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, before winning a penalty less than a quarter of an hour later. 

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Rafael Leoa of AC Milan scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Leao stepped up to take the penalty, and in an attempt to put him off, goalkeeper Suzuki pointed to the corner he felt Leao was going to aim at, and reportedly said something along the lines of ‘put it in this corner for me’. 

The Portuguese shot to the bottom left of the goal, Suzuki went the right way, but was unable to get a hand on the spot-kick. 

Instead of celebrating with the supporters in the stands, Leao opted to stay in the penalty area and stare down his opposition goalkeeper with half a grin on his face. 

Leão proved clinical from the spot 🥶#ParmaMilan pic.twitter.com/TIitHzWO59

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) November 9, 2025

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