History
Founding and Early Years
AC Milan was founded in 1899 by a group of English expatriates, including Herbert Kilpin, who became the club’s first captain and manager. Originally named Milan Football and Cricket Club, the club was established in the Fiaschetteria Toscana tavern in Milan, after a heavy drinking session. Kilpin and his colleagues chose the iconic red and black stripes to represent the team’s fiery passion and the fear they would instil in opponents.
In their early years, Milan quickly established themselves as a force in Italian football. They won their first Italian championship in 1901, interrupting a three-year dominance by Genoa. The club went on to win two more titles in quick succession in 1906 and 1907, cementing their status as one of the country’s top teams in the early 20th century.
Successes and Achievements
Over the decades, Milan has solidified its position as one of the most successful clubs in Italy and Europe. The club experienced a golden period in the 1950s, led by the legendary “Gre-No-Li” Swedish trio of Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl and Nils Liedholm. This team won four Serie A titles between 1951 and 1959, and also claimed the Latin Cup in 1951 and 1956.
The 1960s saw Milan’s European dominance begin, as they won their first European Cup in 1963 by defeating Benfica. This was the start of a period of sustained success, with the club going on to win the European Cup/Champions League seven times in total – the second-highest tally in the competition’s history. Other major international honours include five UEFA Super Cups, two UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups, three Intercontinental Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Domestically, Milan has won 19 Serie A titles, making them the third most successful team in the league’s history. They have also lifted the Coppa Italia on five occasions and the Supercoppa Italiana seven times.
Recent Developments
In the 2000s and 2010s, Milan experienced a period of decline, struggling to maintain their lofty standards. This was compounded by the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, which saw the club punished with a points deduction. However, under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi, the club enjoyed a renaissance, winning the Scudetto in 2011 and reaching the Champions League final in 2005 and 2007.
More recently, Milan has undergone a ownership change, with a Chinese consortium taking over in 2017. This has led to a rebuild of the squad and the appointment of promising young managers like Stefano Pioli. In the 2020-21 season, Milan returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, finishing second in Serie A. The following season, they ended their 11-year wait for a league title, clinching the Scudetto with a club-record 86 points.
Despite the ups and downs, Milan remains one of the most iconic and successful clubs in world football. Their rich history, legendary players and managers, and passionate fanbase ensure they continue to be a major force in the game.
Brazilian Players
Renowned Brazilians in AC Milan
AC Milan has a long and proud history of Brazilian talent gracing the club’s famous red and black stripes. Some of the most renowned Brazilians to have played for the Rossoneri include:
Kaká – The elegant playmaker is perhaps Milan’s most iconic Brazilian player of the modern era. Joining the club in 2003, Kaká went on to become a key figure in Milan’s 2007 Champions League triumph, scoring twice in the final against Liverpool. He was named the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner for his outstanding performances.
Ronaldo – The legendary striker spent a single season on loan at Milan in 2007-08, forming a potent partnership with Kaká. While his time at the club was relatively brief, Ronaldo’s sheer quality and star power made him an instant favourite with the Milan faithful.
Leonardo – A technically gifted midfielder, Leonardo spent six successful seasons at Milan in the 1990s, winning two Scudetti and the 1994 Champions League. He later returned to the club as manager in 2009, guiding them to a third-place finish in Serie A.
Cafu – The iconic right-back is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of his generation. He joined Milan in 2003 and went on to win the Champions League and two Serie A titles with the club before retiring in 2008.
Robinho – The skilful forward had two spells at Milan, the first of which came in 2010 on loan from Manchester City. He played a key role in the club’s 2010-11 Scudetto triumph.
Influential Brazilian Managers
In addition to their Brazilian playing talent, Milan has also benefited from the expertise of several renowned Brazilian managers over the years:
Arrigo Sacchi – Though an Italian, Sacchi is renowned for implementing a revolutionary ‘total football’ philosophy during his time as Milan coach in the late 1980s. His relentless pressing game and emphasis on collective movement helped transform Milan into one of the greatest club sides of all time, winning two European Cups.
Leonardo – The former Milan midfielder returned to the club as manager in 2009, bringing a fresh, attacking-minded approach. Despite a mixed tenure, his spell in charge showcased his potential as a rising coaching talent.
Carlo Ancelotti – One of the most successful managers in Milan’s history, the Italian-Brazilian Ancelotti won two Champions League titles and a Serie A crown during his eight-year spell in charge. His tactical acumen and man-management skills made him a beloved figure at San Siro.
Legacy of Brazilian Talent
The influence of Brazilian players and coaches has been a constant throughout Milan’s illustrious history. From the creative flair of Kaká to the defensive solidity of Cafu, these Seleção stars have left an indelible mark on the club.
Beyond the first-team, Milan’s youth academy has also produced a number of promising Brazilian prospects over the years. The club’s scouting network in Brazil continues to unearth exciting young talents, ensuring the Rossoneri’s Brazilian legacy will endure.
For passionate fans of the Brasileirão and the Seleção, AC Milan remains a must-watch destination to witness the very best of Brazilian football talent on the global stage.
Club Structure
Ownership and Management
AC Milan has undergone significant changes in ownership and management in recent years. In 2017, the club was acquired by a Chinese investment group led by Li Yonghong, marking the end of Silvio Berlusconi’s 31-year tenure as president.
However, Li Yonghong’s tenure was short-lived, as he failed to keep up with loan repayments to American hedge fund Elliott Management Corporation. As a result, Elliott took control of the club in 2018, appointing a new board of directors with Paolo Scaroni as the new chairman.
The current CEO is Ivan Gazidis, who joined the club in 2018 from Arsenal. Gazidis has overseen a period of rebuilding, with the appointments of technical director Paolo Maldini and chief football officer Zvonimir Boban to help steer the club’s strategic direction.
Youth Development
AC Milan has a strong focus on youth development, with a well-established academy system that has produced numerous homegrown talents over the years. The club’s youth teams, known as the “Milan Primavera”, compete in the Campionato Nazionale Primavera, the top level of youth football in Italy.
The Primavera squad has won the league title on one occasion, in 1965, and has also enjoyed success in the Coppa Italia Primavera and the prestigious Viareggio Tournament, a prestigious international youth competition. Many of Milan’s current first-team players, such as Davide Calabria and Gianluigi Donnarumma, have come through the club’s youth system.
Facilities and Infrastructure
AC Milan’s primary home ground is the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as the San Siro. The stadium, which is shared with bitter rivals Inter Milan, has a capacity of 75,923 and is the largest football stadium in Italy.
The club’s training ground, known as Milanello, is located just outside of Milan and is considered one of the best facilities in European football. Milanello covers an area of 160,000 square metres and includes five full-size pitches, a gym, medical facilities, and various other amenities to support the first-team and youth players.
In recent years, there have been discussions about AC Milan building a new, dedicated stadium to replace the aging San Siro. However, these plans have faced various challenges and setbacks, and the club’s future home remains uncertain.
Football Culture
Fanbase and Rivalries
AC Milan boasts one of the most passionate and devoted fanbases in world football. The club is the second-most supported team in Italy, with an estimated 18.4 million supporters across Europe.
The Rossoneri’s traditional rivalry is with city neighbours Inter Milan, with whom they contest the Derby della Madonnina, one of the most fiercely contested derbies in world football. The two clubs have a long history of on-field battles, with both teams vying for domestic and European supremacy.
Milan also shares a strong rivalry with Juventus, the other dominant force in Italian football. The two clubs have contested numerous Scudetto and Coppa Italia battles over the years, as well as a memorable Champions League final in 2003.
Iconic Moments and Matches
Throughout their illustrious history, AC Milan has produced countless iconic moments and memorable matches. Some of the most celebrated include:
- The club’s first European Cup triumph in 1963, when they defeated Benfica 2-1 in the final at Wembley.
- The dominant 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League final, widely regarded as one of the greatest final performances in the competition’s history.
- The dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League final, where Milan avenged their heartbreaking defeat in the 2005 final.
- The historic 1991-92 Serie A season, where Milan went undefeated throughout the entire campaign, earning the nickname “Gli Invincibili” (The Invincibles).
Traditions and Celebrations
AC Milan’s traditions and celebrations are deeply rooted in the club’s history and identity. The iconic red and black striped jerseys, inspired by the fiery passion and fear instilled in opponents, have become a symbol of the Rossoneri.
The club’s anthem, “Milan, Milan”, composed by Tony Renis and Massimo Guantini, is a beloved terrace chant that echoes around the San Siro on matchdays. Fans also regularly unfurl large choreographed displays, known as “mosaics”, to create a stunning visual spectacle during important matches.
The Rossoneri’s success is also celebrated through the placement of a gold star above the club crest, awarded for every 10 Serie A titles won. This tradition, which began in 1979, is a point of immense pride for Milan supporters.
As one of the most storied clubs in world football, AC Milan’s rich culture and traditions continue to captivate fans both in Italy and across the globe. From their iconic colours to their legendary players and moments, the Rossoneri remain a beacon of excellence in the beautiful game.
