In a tense match on April 11, 2025, AC Milan faced off against Udinese in the 32nd round of Serie A, but the game was overshadowed by a serious injury to Milan's goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The incident occurred in the early moments of the second half when Maignan collided head-on with his teammate, Alex Jimenez, while attempting to clear a long ball intended for Hassane Kamara. At the time of the collision, AC Milan was comfortably leading 2-0.
The violent impact left Maignan on the ground for several minutes, prompting immediate medical attention. As the situation unfolded, Maignan was evacuated on a stretcher, hands on his head, amid applause from the Udinese supporters, who had previously booed him throughout the match. Reports confirmed that Maignan suffered a head trauma but remained conscious as he was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
AC Milan's medical staff quickly assessed the situation, with the club later announcing that Maignan was stable and would undergo additional tests. Despite the concerning nature of the injury, sources close to the player indicated that there was no immediate cause for alarm, reassuring fans and teammates alike.
Jimenez, who also appeared shaken by the incident, continued to play for a brief period before being substituted in the 73rd minute. His replacement, Marco Sportiello, stepped in as the match continued. Meanwhile, AC Milan went on to secure a decisive 4-0 victory, with contributions from players like Theo Hernandez, who scored in the 74th minute, and Rafael Leao, who opened the scoring just before halftime.
This match held significant emotional weight for Maignan, as it marked his return to Udine, a location where he had previously faced racial abuse during a match in January 2024. On that occasion, he had left the field in solidarity with his teammates after enduring racist insults from the crowd. Following that incident, five Udinese supporters were banned from attending matches.
During the current match, Maignan was again the target of hostility, receiving boos from the Udinese ultras every time he touched the ball. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically following his injury, as the same fans who had jeered him began to applaud his exit from the field, a gesture acknowledged by AC Milan's coach, Sergio Conceiçao.
"I must commend them; they booed the player but applauded the man. It was a very beautiful gesture, one I rarely see," Conceiçao stated, highlighting the change in sentiment from the Udinese supporters.
Teammate Christian Pulisic also expressed relief about Maignan's condition, stating, "We were all scared, but the most important thing is that he is okay. Our thoughts are with him."
The match itself was a showcase of AC Milan's attacking prowess, with goals from Leao, Strahinja Pavlovic, and a brace from Hernandez solidifying their dominance on the pitch. Despite the victory, AC Milan remains in ninth place in the Serie A standings, trailing four points behind the sixth position, which would qualify them for European competition.
As the season progresses, the team is set to face a critical Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter Milan on April 23, 2025. The outcome of Maignan's injury will play a crucial role in Milan's preparations for this important clash.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport can take on players and the emotional complexities involved, especially in a league as competitive as Serie A. As fans await updates on Maignan's health, the focus will now shift to how the team adapts in his potential absence and the ongoing challenges they face in the league.
With the dust settled on a tumultuous match day, AC Milan looks to build on their performance while keeping a close eye on the recovery of their captain and key player, Mike Maignan.
