A legacy built by football’s elite

Few clubs in Europe boast a history as decorated as AC Milan. Revered across the footballing world, the Rossoneri have boasted countless world-class players who left a lasting mark on Serie A and Europe alike. With statistics taken from Transfermarkt, here we honor the standout eleven who represents the very best to have ever pulled on the iconic red and black shirt.

Sebastiano Rossi - GK

Starting at the back, the iconic Sebastiano Rossi was one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A during the 90s. He started his career at Cesena FC before joining Milan in 1990. Rossi was among the sticks for the 'Gli Invincibili' (Invincibles) squad during the legendary 1991-92 season. The Italian keeper spent 12 years in Milan, earning himself 150 clean sheets.

Franco Baresi - CB

Baresi was the soul of Milan for two decades, captaining the club through its most dominant eras. A master of the offside trap and defensive organisation, he won six Serie A titles and three European Cups, becoming the benchmark for all future Milan defenders.

Alessandro Nesta - CB

One of the most elegant centre-backs of his generation, Nesta combined flawless positioning with composure under pressure from 2002 to 2012. During his ten seasons at Milan, he formed a legendary partnership with Maldini and won two Champions Leagues and two Serie A titles, among others.

Paolo Maldini - LB

Arguably one of the most iconic defenders to ever play the game, the great Maldini spent his entire 25-year career at AC Milan. With 902 appearances, five European Cups, and seven Serie A titles, he set the standard for excellence, leadership and professionalism both on and off the pitch. Former teammate Cafu once described the Italian as “the symbol and the face of Milan”.

Frank Rijkaard - DM

Coach Arrigo Sacchi transformed the Milan midfield with the signing of Rijkaard in the 1988-89 season. Joining fellow countrymen Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit, Rijkaard became the tactical heart of Milan's late 1980s dynasty; his intelligence, strength and technical skill helped Milan dominate Italy and Europe, winning multiple Serie A titles and two European Cups.

Andrea Pirlo - DM

A football mastermind, Pirlo spent a decade and 401 games defending AC Milan's colours, redefining the role of the deep-lying playmaker and orchestrating the side's midfield with effortless elegance. "Pirlo is a silent leader. He speaks with his feet," shared former Italy coach Marcello Lippi.

Kaká - CAM

The Brazilian was the creative heartbeat of Milan’s mid-2000s resurgence. An absolute gem to watch, he arrived at AC Milan in 2003, where he forged a world-class reputation. His elusiveness on the ball made him a constant nightmare for defenders, and he won the Ballon d'Or in 2007.

Ruud Gullit - CAM

Gullit was part of the legendary Dutch trio that joined AC Milan in the late 1980s, following changes in Serie A regulations that allowed more foreign players per team at the time. Despite a relatively short stint at the club, he still scored 56 goals and laid on 38 assists in 171 official appearances, winning multiple Serie A titles and back-to-back European Cups.

Andriy Shevchenko - ST

Shevchenko is one of the best strikers in European football history. The Ukrainian helped Milan win the Champions League in 2002-03, and scored 175 goals in 322 games for the Rossoneri, earning the 2004 Ballon d’Or.

Honorable mentions

AC Milan's history has been marked by world-class talents throughout the years, making it especially challenging to narrow it down to a starting XI. Nevertheless, we didn't want to leave out any honourable mentions, so here they are.

Dida - GK

Another great keeper for the Rossoneri was Dida, who was one of the world's best at the peak of his career at Milan (from 2003 to 2005). The Brazilian keeper registered 132 clean sheets in 302 games for the Italian club.

Cesare Maldini - CB

Captain of Milan’s first European Cup-winning side in 1963, Maldini was a composed and commanding centre-back. While his legacy lived on through his son Paolo, it was Cesare who laid the foundations for Milan’s defensive tradition.

Alessandro Costacurta - CB

A model of consistency and intelligence, Costacurta was a cornerstone of Milan’s defence for over two decades. Partnering legends like Baresi and Maldini, he won seven Serie A titles and five European Cups, adapting seamlessly across eras and retiring at nearly 41.

Gianni Rivera - CM

Rivera, considered the 'Golden Boy of Italian football,' according to OneFootball, spent close to two decades at Milan (from 1960 to 1979). The Italian midfielder was praised by many for his ability to read the game and his commanding presence in the midfield.

Carlo Ancelotti - CM

As a player, Ancelotti was a key part of Sacchi’s revolutionary midfield, helping Milan to back-to-back European Cups. Calm and intelligent, he later returned as a manager to build one of the most elegant and dominant sides of the 2000s.

Gennaro Gattuso - CM

Love him or hate him, Gattuso's fiery attitude on the pitch made him an invaluable player for AC Milan from 1999 to 2012. His passion and work rate were vital in Milan’s Champions League wins in 2003 and 2007.

Clarence Seedorf - CM

The Dutchman also formed part of the 2000s golden generation, standing out with his great footwork, elegance and versatility in midfield. He made history as the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs (Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and twice with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007).

Roberto Donadoni - RM

Donadoni was another formidable player who contributed to AC Milan's golden era during the late 80s and 90s under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. His dribbling, crossing, and tactical intelligence contributed to the club winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups.

George Weah - ST

The first African Ballon d'Or winner, Weah brought flair, strength and brilliance to Milan's attack in the 1990s. His solo goal against Verona remains one of the most iconic in club history, embodying his mix of pace and power.

Gunnar Nordahl - ST

A goal machine from Sweden, Nordahl remains AC Milan's all-time top scorer in Serie A with 210 goals in just 257 appearances. Part of the legendary Gre-No-Li trio, his strength, positioning and finishing made him unstoppable in the 1950s and a key figure in Milan's early dominance.