The Devil Is All Grown-Up
The Devil Is All Grown-Up
On Friday, December 13, 2024, the world will pause to celebrate a legend. AC Milan, one of football’s most evocative names, turns 125 years old—a milestone that transcends trophies, rivalries, and eras. More than just a club, Milan is a tapestry of memories and emotions, woven from the passion of its supporters and the rhythm of its city.
It all began with an Englishman’s dream. In 1899, Herbert Kilpin, an expatriate with a vision as bold as the crimson jerseys he would later design, founded the Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club. Kilpin’s creation was not just a team; it was an identity, a declaration that the beauty of football could take root anywhere.
Even as history unfolded with its trials and mandates—like the enforced switch to “Milano” during the fascist era—the club’s soul resisted. Its name, proudly retaining the English spelling of the city, became a quiet act of defiance, a reminder of its international spirit and origins. This is a legacy written not only in championships but in the enduring power of its name: Milan.
The red and black of Milan are more than hues stitched onto fabric—they are emotions incarnate. Red, a fierce blaze of passion, embodies the heartbeat of the players and the relentless support of the tifosi. Black, a shadowy force, symbolizes the intimidation that Milan has brought to countless rivals. The crest, with its iconic cross and stripes, tells a story of unity and ambition, a timeless emblem that connects a century of triumphs with the unyielding dreams of tomorrow.
AC Milan is not just a club; it is a global family. From the bustling streets of São Paulo to the quiet towns of Southeast Asia, the Rossoneri have found a place in the hearts of millions. Their anthem echoes in languages and accents that span the globe, a testament to the club’s universal spirit. Milan represents a bridge between tradition and innovation, an institution rooted in its Italian soul yet thriving in its embrace of an international audience. This is a club where the beauty of football speaks a language understood by all.
Milan’s approach to football has always been an ode to artistry. In the 1950s, the “Gre-No-Li” trio mesmerized fans with their seamless interplay, laying the foundation for a philosophy of beauty. Decades later, Arrigo Sacchi redefined the game with tactical symphonies that married discipline with creativity, setting a new gold standard. For Milan, football is not merely a competition but an art form—fluid, elegant, and unforgettable. It is this devotion to beauty that cements their place in football’s pantheon.
Over its 125-year history, AC Milan has built an extraordinary legacy, intertwining the essence of football with a tradition of excellence. The club has amassed an incredible 49 major trophies, including 19 Serie A titles and 7 UEFA Champions League victories—second only to Real Madrid in Europe. On the international stage, Milan has claimed four Intercontinental and FIFA Club World Cup titles, solidifying its status as a global powerhouse.
Beyond trophies, Milan has profoundly shaped Italian football. Legends like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Andrea Pirlo have not only elevated the club but also left an indelible mark on the Italian national team. Over the years, Milan has contributed key players to Italy’s World Cup-winning squads in 1934, 1982, and 2006, as well as its European Championship triumphs in 1968 and 2021. The club’s players have embodied the passion, skill, and resilience that define Italian football, making their contributions integral to both club and country.
For this milestone celebration, we chose not to delve into the archives of historic match photos or faded memories. Instead, we turned to the lens of renowned photographer Maximilian Gärtner, whose artistry captures the soul of Milan in its purest form.
Using the 2023-2024 kit, his images evoke not just a team, but a spirit—a love letter to the red and black, to the city that birthed it, and to the beauty that defines them both. In these photos, Milan emerges not only as a footballing institution but as a living embodiment of love and elegance, perfectly in step with the city it calls home: the fashion capital of the world, where every thread tells a story.
In the red and black stripes lie tales of artistry, resilience, and unyielding ambition—a legacy that has shaped the soul of football itself. As San Siro’s lights flicker and the streets of Milano hum with life, this anniversary is not merely about history but about the timeless essence of what it means to belong.
Words: Mihai Dumitrescu
Photos: Maximilian Gärtner
Model: Elena Lohner
Find out more about Milan on their Instagram or official website.
