Rafael Leão – known in the music world as WAY 45 – has released his debut album My Life in Each Verse, tapping budding Portuguese artists to feature on the 17-track project.

On his music career and the album’s release, the artist said: “I started thinking about this album when I launched myself as WAY 45. Football is what I do best and where my focus is, but music is my heart, where I can express who I am and what I live.”

The AC Milan ace teased the album two weeks ago, releasing his single ‘V.E.U.L.’ with Angolan singer Soarito, in anticipation of the project’s launch. Similar to the promotional track, the rest of the album experiments with hip-hop, adding a touch of soul and R&B into the mix as well.

13 different artists are featured on the album, with the majority coming from Portugal’s growing rap and hip-hop scene.

Leão said: “They are my road companions, but above all, they are talents that everyone should pay attention to. We are working to ensure that each of their names reaches the highest levels of the national and international music scene.”

Footballers leaning into different creative outlets is not only refreshing to see, but another way in which sport and culture intertwine. Leão may be a wonder on the pitch, but he’s ready to show the world just how far his talent stretches.

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