Why does Rafael Leão celebrate by surfing? It's all about the Atlantic's waves and one of the world's surfing capitals

Ever since first publicly using a surfing emoji in September of 2021, Rafael Leão has on many occasions showcased a certain affinity for the waves, either through social media or by coining a very evocative celebration. Due to his form over the last few seasons, Milan fans have started showing affection towards this surfer version of Leão, as has the club itself, announcing the Portuguese star's recent contract renewal with a surfing board standing in the sand. But how did this link between the Milan striker and surfer culture come to be? As it turns out, we can trace everything back to Portugal and the wind that reigns over the Atlantic Ocean.