AC Milan is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary this year and will commemorate it with a series of matchday events, fan benefits and more initiatives.
The Serie A giants were formed on 16 December 1899 by Englishman Herbert Kilpin. In December 2024, during Milan’s fixture against Genoa at the San Siro stadium, the Rossoneri’s men will wear a special commemorative jersey for the game designed by Puma.
This limited edition shirt will also be worn by AC Milan’s women’s team for its league clash that same matchday weekend.
The club will begin its 125th year by competing in two pre-season friendlies against SK Rapid in Vienna, Austria on 20 July, and against FC Barcelona in Baltimore, Maryland on 7 August.
AC Milan will then return from its preseason tour to host and play in the Silvio Berlusconi Trophy fixture at the San Siro, which is a game that honours the legacy of the former Italian Prime Minister and long-time club owner from 1986-2017.
Paolo Scaroni, Chairman of AC Milan, commented: “We celebrate with the entire Rossoneri family an important milestone in the growth of our club, which over the years has always been a model of success and style, embodying values, both on and off the field.
“Today, we look with pride at our past and with great confidence and optimism toward our future.”
Off the field, AC Milan will open up a new flagship club store for fans on Via Dante, set to open on 17 July. The new flagship store presents itself as an “immersive space and dynamic hub” for AC Milan events and initiatives, boasting over 500 square metres.
AC Milan also intends to further strengthen its social causes commitments alongside Fondazione Milan, the club’s public charity, to promote positive values of sport, implementing projects and initiatives in support of those living in difficult circumstances.
In terms of commercialisation and branding for the club, the 2024/2025 Serie A season will see Milan launch a series of collaborations with partners such as Puma and Emirates, such as the aforementioned specially designed anniversary jersey.
The seven-time UEFA Champions League winners will also continue to work with Off-White and the New York Yankees to increase its exposure and brand across the US, which will be compounded this season during its 125th anniversary.
Giorgio Furlani, CEO of AC Milan, added: “Throughout its history, Milan has always been an innovator: it has demonstrated this over time through its style of play, the successes achieved, the cutting-edge methodologies applied, its technical centres, or its inclusive spirit with strong values, the power of the brand, commercial drive, and especially through the talent of its protagonists.
“Today, strengthened by the support and strategic vision of Gerry Cardinale and RedBird Capital Partners, AC Milan is laying the foundations for its next 125 years, to bring new successes and emotions to all its fans.”
Last January, Insider Sport gained exclusive insight into how AC Milan has been building its brand by cultivating a new way of marketing in the modern age.
Speaking to Tania Moreno, Chief Marketing Officer at AC Milan, she revealed how the club has gone from strength to strength in the US whilst also highlighting the plans in place for the club’s anniversary this year.
