AC Milan celebrated its 125th anniversary with a special edition jersey that blended tradition, elegance, and modern performance technology. Designed by Puma, the shirt paid homage to the club’s rich history while delivering comfort and functionality for the pitch. More than a kit, it was a visual statement of Milanismo – connecting the past, present, and future of the club.
Design and Technical Features
The AC Milan 125th Anniversary jersey stood out for its minimalist yet iconic aesthetic. It featured the club’s traditional red and black stripes, complemented by a polo collar with deep buttons for a refined, retro touch.
A standout feature was the use of AC Milan’s first crest (1899–1907) on the front, while the current crest appeared subtly in gold on the back of the collar. Puma logos were placed only on the sleeves, reinforcing the heritage-focused design.
The jersey was available exclusively in long-sleeve format, with no commercial sponsor logos on the front, enhancing its vintage appeal.
The Authentic Player Jersey incorporated Puma dryCELL technology, providing breathability and moisture management for high-intensity performance. The shirt was crafted from 100% recycled materials (excluding trims and decorations), reflecting Puma’s sustainability initiatives.
The limited-edition version featured a numbered patch (0001–1899) on the left sleeve, making each piece a unique collectible honoring the club’s legacy.
History and Inspiration
AC Milan’s 125th Anniversary jersey is deeply rooted in the club’s history, reaching back to its founding in 1899 by a group of English expatriates and Italian enthusiasts. The original kits were simple, yet elegant, with the now-iconic red and black stripes introduced to symbolize the fiery ardor of the players and the opponents’ fear, respectively.
By incorporating the club’s first crest, the anniversary kit pays tribute to these formative years, evoking a period when Milan was establishing its identity as one of Italy’s pioneering football institutions. The polo collar, deep buttons, and long-sleeve cut recall the style and craftsmanship of early football uniforms, reflecting an era when the sport balanced performance and formality.
This design also serves as a bridge between generations of Rossoneri fans. From the early supporters at Campo di Via Vittor Pisani to modern-day San Siro spectators, the jersey celebrates a continuous legacy of passion and loyalty. It embodies not only the history of the club but also the cultural significance of AC Milan as a symbol of Milanese pride and international sporting excellence.
Honorary Vice President Franco Baresi, who has been part of the club in multiple roles for over fifty years, emphasized this connection:
“This shirt reflected the soul of Milan: its passion, its history and its vision for the future. This milestone was particularly special and represented a moment of celebration and unity for the entire Rossoneri family.”
Usage and Debut
The AC Milan Women’s team debuted the 125th Anniversary jersey in the Milan Derby against Inter on December 9, 2024. The Men’s First Team wore it for the first time in their Serie A match against Genoa on December 15, 2024.
The men’s debut included a special pre-match show that brought together several club legends, including Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Filippo Inzaghi, and others, celebrating AC Milan’s rich history in front of fans at San Siro. Both squads featured jerseys with numbers only – no player names – to maintain the retro aesthetic.
Did You Know?
- Only 1,899 numbered jerseys were produced in the limited-edition series, a nod to the club’s founding year.
- This anniversary kit marked one of the rare occasions in modern European football where a club played without a sponsor logo on the chest.
- The jersey was released in three versions: limited-edition numbered, standard, and a special signed collector’s edition.
