AC MILAN HISTORY

Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly known as AC Milan, was founded on December 16, 1899, by English expatriates Alfred Edwards and Herbert Kilpin. The club's original name was Milan Cricket and Football Club, reflecting the dual sports interests of its founders. The first meeting to establish the club took place at the headquarters of the British-owned newspaper "The Standard," where Edwards and Kilpin worked.

AC Milan's early years were marked by a diverse and international roster, with players from different backgrounds and nationalities. Herbert Kilpin, who became the club's first captain, played a significant role in shaping the team's identity. Kilpin is often credited with coining the famous phrase, "We are a team of devils. Our colors are red as fire and black to invoke fear in our opponents!"

AC Milan quickly became one of the leading football clubs in Italy. The team achieved its first major success by winning the Italian championship in the 1901-1902 season. This marked the beginning of AC Milan's illustrious history in Italian football.

Over the decades, AC Milan has gone on to become one of the most successful and decorated football clubs globally. The club has won numerous Serie A titles, Coppa Italia trophies, and European competitions, including multiple UEFA Champions League and European Cup victories.

The red and black colors, symbolizing the team's fiery and intimidating presence, have become iconic in the world of football. AC Milan's early days laid the foundation for the club's rich history and its status as one of the most prestigious football institutions in Italy and beyond.


Seria A History

Foundation (1899): AC Milan was founded on December 16, 1899, by English expatriates Alfred Edwards and Herbert Kilpin. The club's original name was Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club.

Early Success (1900s-1910s): AC Milan experienced success in the early years, winning their first Italian championship in 1901. The club continued to perform well in the following decades, securing several regional titles.

Golden Era (1950s-1960s): AC Milan entered a golden era in the 1950s and 1960s, winning consecutive Serie A titles in 1951 and 1955. The team also achieved success in European competitions, winning the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1963.

Arrival of Silvio Berlusconi (1986): Entrepreneur Silvio Berlusconi purchased AC Milan in 1986, ushering in a period of unprecedented success for the club.

Sacchi's Revolution (1987-1991): Under coach Arrigo Sacchi, AC Milan dominated Italian and European football, winning back-to-back European Cups in 1989 and 1990 and numerous Serie A titles.

Dutch Trio (Late 1980s): AC Milan featured a formidable Dutch trio during this period - Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard, who played pivotal roles in the team's success.

Fabio Capello Era (1991-1996): Following Sacchi's departure, Fabio Capello took charge and led AC Milan to more Serie A titles in the early 1990s.

Champions League Triumphs (2003, 2007): AC Milan won the UEFA Champions League for the sixth time in 2003, defeating Juventus on penalties. In 2007, they secured their seventh European title by defeating Liverpool in the final.

Inzaghi's Heroics (2007): Filippo Inzaghi played a crucial role in AC Milan's 2007 Champions League triumph, scoring both goals in the final against Liverpool.

Financial Struggles (2010s): In the early 2010s, AC Milan faced financial challenges, leading to the sale of key players and a period of rebuilding.

Recent Resurgence: AC Milan experienced a resurgence in the late 2010s, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League and challenging for the Serie A title under the management of Stefano Pioli.

Legendary Players: AC Milan has been home to legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Nesta, Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko, and many others who have left a lasting impact on the club's history.

These points provide a snapshot of AC Milan's rich history, marked by periods of dominance, legendary players, and notable achievements.

European History


Foundation and Early Years (1899-1950s): AC Milan was founded in 1899, and they were one of the founding members of the Italian Football League (Serie A) in 1929. During this period, the club experienced moderate success domestically.

First European Cup Triumph (1962-63): AC Milan won their first UEFA European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in the 1962-63 season. They defeated Portuguese side Benfica 2-1 in the final after extra time, with José Altafini scoring both goals.

Back-to-Back European Cup Titles (1968-69): AC Milan secured consecutive European Cup triumphs in the 1968-69 season. They defeated Johan Cruyff's Ajax 4-1 in the final, with Pierino Prati scoring a hat-trick.

Drought and Decline (1970s-1980s): After their successful spell in the 1960s, AC Milan faced a period of relative domestic and European underachievement.

Arrival of Silvio Berlusconi (1986): Businessman Silvio Berlusconi took over the club in 1986, injecting significant investment and transforming AC Milan into a football powerhouse.

Golden Era under Arrigo Sacchi (1988-1991): AC Milan enjoyed a period of dominance in the late 1980s under manager Arrigo Sacchi. They won consecutive European Cups in 1988-89 and 1989-90, defeating Steaua Bucharest and Benfica in the respective finals.

Capello's Success (1993-94): Fabio Capello led AC Milan to their fifth European Cup title in the 1993-94 season. They defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the final, with goals from Daniele Massaro and Dejan Savićević.

Return to the Top with Ancelotti (2002-03): Under manager Carlo Ancelotti, AC Milan secured their sixth European Cup/Champions League title in the 2002-03 season. They beat Juventus in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in the final.

Heartbreak in Istanbul (2004-05): AC Milan reached the Champions League final again in 2004-05, facing Liverpool. Despite a 3-0 lead at halftime, they suffered a dramatic collapse, with Liverpool equalizing and eventually winning on penalties.

Redemption in Athens (2006-07): AC Milan avenged their Istanbul defeat by winning the Champions League in the 2006-07 season. They defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the final, with Filippo Inzaghi scoring both goals.

Recent Years and Challenges (2010s): AC Milan faced financial difficulties and struggled to replicate their earlier European success in the 2010s, participating sporadically in the Champions League.

Return to Champions League (2021-22): AC Milan made a return to the UEFA Champions League in the 2021-22 season, marking a step toward reclaiming their status among Europe's elite clubs