AC Milan celebrated its 125th anniversary on December 15, 2024, with grand festivities at the iconic San Siro Stadium before their Serie A match against Genoa. The event was not just a party; it was a heartfelt homage to the club’s rich history, attended by many of its legendary figures. Among the guests were Marco Van Basten, Filippo Inzaghi, and Franco Baresi, who collectively symbolize the club's glorious past.
The occasion was marked by the display of heartfelt banners from the fans, including one proclaiming, "16 dicembre 1899, da 125 anni il nostro grande amore" ("December 16, 1899, for 125 years our great love"), emphasizing their unwavering support for the club since its inception.
The night was full of emotions as the fans and former players reminisced about the iconic teams of the past, particularly the legendary trio of Dutch players: Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard. They, along with fellow legends, showcased trophies they had won during their illustrious careers. Baresi, alongside the other inductees, was celebrated for entering the club's Hall of Fame, which was determined by votes from the passionate fanbase.
Despite the warm tributes to heroes of yesteryears, the atmosphere wasn’t devoid of criticism. Another fan banner read, "Rendiamo onore ai nostri campioni, simboli di un Milan che non esiste più!" ("Let’s honor our champions, symbols of a Milan which no longer exists!"), reflecting the current discontent among some supporters toward the management's direction and perhaps the state of the team.
The heartwarming moment of the event came when Pippo, who is known for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, made his entrance to the familiar chant, "Oi oi oi, oioioioioi, Pippo, Pippo, segna per noi!" ("Oi oi oi, oioioioioi, Pippo scores for us!").
San Siro was transformed for the celebration, featuring special effects, music, and heartfelt speeches narrated by the renowned Italian actor Luca Ward. The excitement crescendoed as the players warmed up for the match, marking the end of the festive ceremony before the game began.
On the pitch, AC Milan donned special commemorative jerseys, revived from their historical designs, featuring the classic logo of 'Milan Cricket and Foot Ball Club.' This occasion marked the only time these jerseys would be worn by the men's squad, lending even more significance to the event.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, there were apparent divisions, particularly as fans reacted with jeers to the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, showcasing the discontent brewing among supporters against the club's management and current challenges on the field.
The evening encapsulated AC Milan's storied legacy, balancing glorification of past legends with the present-day reality of the club. Each cheer and jeer told the story of die-hard fans whose loyalty runs deep, having witnessed decades of triumphs and trials.
While the match against Genoa awaited, the true winners of the night were the memories, the nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of AC Milan, as celebrated legends shared the spotlight, symbolizing both the glorious past and the aspirations for the future.
AC Milan's 125th anniversary, though shadowed by current controversies, served as a powerful reminder of its legendary stature and the passionate fanbase whose voices resonate through the hallowed grounds of San Siro. This significant milestone was marred neither by time nor by challenges, embodying the unbreakable bond between club and supporters.
On this special night at San Siro, the love for the club stood tall, reminding everyone of the vibrant history and hopes for tomorrow as the team kicked off against Genoa.
