AC Milan
AC Milan, officially known as Associazione Calcio Milan, was established in December 1899 by English expatriates, including Herbert Kilpin and Alfred Edwards. Initially named Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club, the team adopted red and black colours to symbolise fire and fear. The club quickly found success, securing its first Italian championship in 1901, followed by titles in 1906 and 1907.
Rivalry and Stadium
In 1908, a faction split from AC Milan to form Internazionale (Inter Milan), sparking a fierce rivalry known as the Derby della Madonnina. AC Milan played at various venues before moving to the San Siro Stadium in 1926, which they have shared with Inter since 1947. The stadium, officially named Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, is Italy's largest, with a capacity exceeding 75,000.
Golden Eras and European Triumphs
AC Milan's prominence grew in the 1960s, capturing their first European Cup in 1963 by defeating Benfica. The club added another European title in 1969. Under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi, who acquired the club in 1986, Milan experienced a golden era, winning multiple Serie A titles and European Cups, including back-to-back Champions League victories in 1989 and 1990.
Recent Developments and Ownership Changes
In 2017, Chinese businessman Li Yonghong purchased AC Milan, but financial difficulties led to U.S. hedge fund Elliott Management taking control in 2018. Elliott later sold the club to RedBird Capital Partners in 2022 for €1.2 billion. Under RedBird's ownership, AC Milan is committed to constructing a new 70,000-seat stadium to enhance competitiveness and revenue.
Current Status
As of the 2024–25 season, AC Milan continues to compete in Serie A, striving to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of Italian and European football. The club's rich history, marked by domestic and international successes, remains a testament to its enduring legacy in the sport.
