AC Milan, an Italian professional football club, was established in the vibrant city of Milan back in 1899. The team has proudly graced the Serie A league since 1929, marking a rich history. AC Milan boasts an impressive collection of football accolades, ranking fourth globally in both FIFA and UEFA trophies, a feat unmatched by any other Italian club.
The Rossoneri’s triumphs on the field are closely tied to exceptional individual skills. It truly requires a remarkable talent to stand out and leave an indelible mark on the history of football.
Prepare yourselves, because Sportonpoint is about to unveil the top 10 greatest AC Milan players of all time. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and relive the brilliance of these legends in the beautiful game.
Top 10 Greatest AC Milan Players Of All Time – AC Milan Legends
1. Paolo Maldin
Paolo Maldini’s remarkable football journey spans 902 official matches and the acquisition of 26 trophies over a quarter-century of dedication to the Milan jersey. His incredible career began at a tender age in Udine, back on January 20, 1985, guided by Coach Nils Liedholm. His triumphant journey unfolded under the guidance of Arrigo Sacchi and continued with Capello. In 1997, he took up the captain’s role, succeeding the legendary Baresi, and went on to claim more titles with coaches like Zaccheroni and Ancelotti. The pinnacle of his career arrived on May 28, 2003, marking 40 years since Milan’s first European Champion Clubs’ Cup victory. In a moment of glory at Old Trafford in Manchester, Paolo Maldini, following in his father Cesare’s footsteps, proudly raised the Champions League trophy.
Matches played
902
Serie A matches
647
Total Goals
33
Serie A Goals
29
AC Milan Honors:
Serie A: 1987-88, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1998-99, 2003-04
Coppa Italia: 2002-03
Supercoppa Italiana:1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2004
European Cup/Champions League: 1988-89, 1989-90, 1993-94, 2002-03, 2006-07
UEFA Super Cup: 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007
Intercontinental Cup:1989, 1990
FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
Under-21 European Footballer of the Year: 1989
FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament:: 1994
UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 1988, 1996, 2000
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1990, 1994
UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2003
1995 FIFA World Player of the Year: Silver Award
Ballon d’Or Bronze Award: 1994, 2003
Serie A Defender of the Year: 2004
FIFA 100
UEFA Team of the Year: 2003, 2005
ESM Team of the Year: 1994-95, 1995-96, 1999-2000, 2002-03
FIFPro World XI: 2005
UEFA Champions League Best Defender: 2007
Italy captain: 1994-2002
UEFA Champions League Achievement Award: 2009
AC Milan all-time highest number of appearances: 902
UEFA Champions League Record of most appearances: 168
Serie A highest number of appearances: 647
2. Franco Baresi
Franco Baresi’s journey to football stardom began in the parish youth club of Travagliato, nestled in the plains of Brescia. In the 1977/78 season, as a young and talented player, he made his way into AC Milan’s first team. A mere year later, at the age of eighteen, he clinched his first league title, adorning the jersey with a star that would signify ten league victories to come. Throughout the challenging years, Baresi remained unwaveringly loyal to the team. He held the captain’s armband and, guided by the likes of Sacchi and Capello, led the team to global recognition in the late 80s.
Upon concluding his illustrious football career, Baresi’s record stood at 719 official matches played. His impressive collection of accolades included 6 league titles, 3 European Champion Clubs’ Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 3 European Cup Winners’ Cups, and 4 Italian Supercups. In a tribute to his remarkable contributions, AC Milan retired the number 6 jersey in his honor.
Matches played
719
Serie A matches
532
Total Goals
33
Serie A Goals
16
AC Milan Achievements:
UEFA Champions league: 1989, 1990, 1994.
Intercontinental Cup: 1989, 1990.
European Supercup: 1989, 1990,1994.Italian
Serie A:1978-1979, 1987-1988, 1991-1992, 1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1995-1996.
Serie B: 1981, 1983
Italian Super Cup: 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994.
Mitropa Cup: 1982
Individual Honors:
European Silver Ball Footballer of the Year France Football1989
Top Scorer Italian Cup : 1990
Italian League The best player of the year: 1990
Silver in Best world player of the year IFFHS : 1989
AC Milan player of the Century (1999)
FIFA 100
Named Italian Player of the 20th Century by FIGC
3. Ricardo Kaká
Milan’s love for the young and talented Kaká began in 2003, following his impressive achievements with São Paulo. His arrival sparked immediate excitement, with his fresh face, nimble footwork, and lightning-fast sprint speed. In no time, Kaká played a pivotal role in securing Milan’s seventeenth league title.
The Brazilian sensation’s journey saw an exponential rise, reaching its zenith during the extraordinary 2006/07 season. He netted 10 remarkable goals and led the team to a thrilling Champions League final victory in Athens. Notably, his unforgettable brace against Manchester United in the semi-final etched itself into football history. His exceptional talents didn’t go unnoticed, as he went on to receive the prestigious Golden Ball and FIFA World Player awards in 2007. Along the way, Kaká also contributed to Milan’s victories in the European Super Cup and Club World Cup, solidifying his place among football’s greats.
Matches played
307
Serie A matches
223
Total Goals
104
Serie A Goals
77
AC Milan Honors:
Serie A: 2003-04
Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
UEFA Champions League: 2006-07
UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007
FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi: 2005, 2007(January), 2007(August), 2008
TIM Trophy: 2006, 2008
Individual Honors:
Revista Placar Bola de Ouro: 2002
Campeonato Brasileiro Bola de Prata (best player by position): 2002
CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2003
Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year: 2004, 2006, 2007
Serie A Footballer of the Year: 2004, 2007
UEFA Champions League Bronze Top scorer: 2005-06
UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder: 2005
UEFA Team of the Year: 2006, 2007,2009
FIFPro World XI: 2006, 2007, 2008
Pallone d’Argento: 2006-07
UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2006-07
UEFA Champions League Best Forward: 2006-07
UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2006-07
FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2007
Ballon d’Or: 2007
FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2007
Toyota Award: 2007
FIFA World Player of the Year: 2007
Onze d’Or: 2007
World Soccer Player of the Year: 2007
IFFHS World‘s Best Playmaker: 2007
IAAF Latin Sportsman of the Year: 2007
Time 100: 2008, 2009
Maracanã Hall Of Fame: 2008
Samba d’Or: 2008
FIFA Team of the Year: 2008
FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball: 2009
FIFA Confederations Cup Best XI: 2009
Marca Leyenda: 2009
FIFA World Cup Top Assister : 2010
4. Marco Van Basten
Marco Van Basten, a forward renowned for his unparalleled elegance, made his entrance into the AC Milan fold in the summer of 1987, joining forces with Ruud Gullit. Before this, he had left a trail of brilliance at Ajax, boasting an impressive record of 152 goals in 172 games. In his debut season with the Rossoneri, he swiftly helped secure the Serie A title, marking an unforgettable start to his Milanese journey.
The ‘Swan of Utrecht’ exhibited an extraordinary ability to score goals in a myriad of ways, consistently dazzling fans with his prowess. In addition to the collective glory brought to the club, Van Basten’s personal accolades shone brightly. He claimed three Ballon d’Or awards and was crowned Serie A’s top scorer on two occasions.
Van Basten bid farewell to the world of football while wearing the Milan jersey in 1995, and he did so at the age of just 33. His illustrious time at AC Milan encompassed 201 appearances and an astonishing 124 goals, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history.
Matches played
201
Serie A matches
147
Total Goals
124
Serie A Goals
90
AC Milan Honors:
European Cup:1989, 1990
Intercontinental Cup:1989, 1990
European Supercup:1989, 1990
Serie A:1987-88, 1991-92, 1992-93
Supercoppa Italiana:1988, 1992, 1993
Individual Honors:
FIFA World Player of the Year: 1992
World Soccer Player of the Year: 1988, 1992
UEFA Best Player of the Year: 1989, 1990, 1992
IFFHS Best Player of the Year: 1988, 1989, 1990
Onze d’Or: 1988, 1989
Onze d’Argent: 1987, 1992
Bravo Award: 1987
UEFA European Championship 1988
European Footballer of the Year: 1988, 1989, 1992
Dutch Footballer of the Year: 1984-85
FIFA 100
European Golden Boot: 1985-86
European Silver Boot: 1983-84
European Cup Top Scorer: 1989
European Cup Silver Top Scorer: 1993
Dutch League Top Scorer: 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87
Serie A Top Scorer: 1989-90, 1991-92
Serie A Silver Top Scorer: 1988-89
World Golden Boot: 1985-86
Also Read…
Barcelona’s Finest: The Top 10 Greatest Players in Club History
Unveiling Real Madrid’s Top 10 Greatest Legends Of All Time
Legendary Arsenal Icons: Unveiling the Top 15 Greatest Players of All Time
Manchester United: The Top 10 Legends Who Defined Football History
Chelsea’s Legendary Stars: A Tribute to the Top 10
Legends of Manchester City: The Top 10 Greatest Players in Sky-Blue History.
The 15 Greatest Players in Liverpool History (Ranked)
Let’s talk about which football clubs have the most Ballon d’Or winners
10 Football Legends Who Have Left a Legacy of Trophies
From Pitch to Glory: The 15 Qualities That Define a World-Class Football Club
15 Tips and Skills to Transform You into a Successful Footballer
Building Stamina for Football: Training Tips and Techniques
The Ultimate Guide to a Thunderous Ball Strike
The Pinnacle of Football Management: Ranking the Top 10 World-Class Football Managers
Top 10 Bayern Munich Legends – Hall Of Fame
5. Gunnar Nordahl
Gunnar Nordahl, widely regarded as one of the finest center-forwards in football history, made his memorable transition to AC Milan in January 1949. This move came shortly after his triumph at the Olympic Games in London, where he secured a gold medal for Sweden. His debut goal against Pro Patria served as a mere introduction to the incredible scoring spree that was to follow.
Nordahl’s prowess was truly astonishing, as he claimed the title of Serie A’s top scorer an impressive five times. To this day, he retains the title of Milan’s most prolific goal scorer, with an astounding total of 221 goals to his name. His influence extended beyond the pitch; he successfully convinced his compatriots, Gren and Liedholm, to join him in Italy. Together, they ended Milan’s prolonged drought, bringing the league title back to the club after years of longing for success.
Matches played
268
Serie A matches
257
Total Goals
221
Serie A Goals
210
AC Milan Honors:
Italian Serie A: 1950-1951, 1953-1954
Italian Cup (four)
Coppa Latina (two)
Individual Honors:
Italian Serie A Top Scorer: 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955
One-time Olympic Gold Medal
One-time Olympic Games Top Scorer
6. Andriy Shevchenko
Andriy Shevchenko, the embodiment of a modern striker, graced Milanello’s grounds in 1999. Before joining AC Milan, he had already tasted success with Dinamo Kyiv, clinching an impressive 5 league titles under the guidance of his mentor, Valeriy Lobanovski. The transition to Serie A was nothing short of remarkable for the Ukrainian sensation.
In his debut season, Shevchenko made an indelible mark, claiming the title of the league’s top scorer with a dazzling 24 goals to his name. His prowess was a sight to behold, equally adept with both feet and displaying remarkable speed and aerial power. One of his most iconic moments came in the 2003 Champions League final, where he calmly slotted the unforgettable winning penalty.
In the annals of AC Milan’s history, only the legendary Gunnar Nordahl managed to surpass Shevchenko in goal-scoring prowess.
Matches played
323
Serie A matches
226
Total Goals
176
Serie Goals
127
AC Milan Achievements:
Serie A: 2003–04
Coppa Italia: 2003
Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
UEFA Champions League: 2003
UEFA Super Cup: 2003
Individual Honors:
Ukrainian Footballer of the Year: 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005
Commonwealth of Independent States Cup Top Scorer: 1997
Ukrainian Premier League Top Scorer: 1999
ESM Team of the Year: 1999-00, 2003-04, 2004-2005
UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 1998-99, 2005-06
UEFA Champions League Best Forward: 1999
UEFA Team of the Year: 2004, 2005
Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year: 2000
Serie A Top Scorer: 1999-00, 2003-04
Best Player of Eastern Europe – Focus Vest magazine Trophy: 2001
Baltic and Commonwealth of Independent States Footballer of the Year: 2004, 2005
Ballon d’Or: 2004
2004 FIFA World Player of the Year Third
Golden Foot award : 2005
FIFPro World XI: 2005
Ukraine all-time Top Scorer
Derby della Madonnina all-time top scorer
FIFA 100
7. Ruud Gullit
The summer of 1987 brought a massive transfer market sensation in the form of Ruud Gullit, who arrived alongside fellow Dutchman Marco Van Basten. Gullit swiftly evolved into the emblem of Arrigo Sacchi’s early successes with the club.
His style was nothing short of unpredictable, characterized by immense physical power and a lethal presence in the air. Gullit initially graced the field as a sweeper but transitioned into one of the world’s finest attackers. The Golden Ball marked the beginning of a remarkable journey filled with honors at Milan.
His illustrious career at the club included three league titles, two European Champion Clubs’ Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, two European Super Cups, and three Italian League Super Cups, firmly establishing Gullit as a Milan legend.
Matches played
171
Serie A matches
125
Total Goals
56
Serie A Goals
38
AC Milan Honors:
Serie A: 1988, 1992, 1993
Supercoppa Italiana: 1988, 1992, 1994
European Cup: 1989, 1990
UEFA Super Cup: 1989, 1990
Intercontinental Cup: 1989, 1990
Individual Honors:
Netherlands Player of the Year: 1981
Dutch Footballer of the Year: 1984 1986
Netherlands Cup Top Scorer: 1984
Dutch Golden Shoe Winner: 1986
Netherlands League Top Scorer: 1986
Dutch Sportsman of the Year: 1987
Ballon d’Or: 1987
IFFHS Best World Player of the Year: 1988 (bronze), 1989 (bronze)
UEFA European Championship Dream Team: 1988, 1992
1988 European Championship Silver ball
UEFA Player of the Year: 1989 (second)
Silver Ball English League Player of the Year: 1996
Chelsea Player of the Year: 1996
FIFA 100
8. Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta, the defensive linchpin during Lazio’s most triumphant era, graced Milanello with his matured skills. He evoked memories of the great Baresi with his elegance, impeccable positioning, and perfectly timed interceptions. Nesta’s arrival at Milan marked a significant turning point for the club, as he played a pivotal role in their conquest of the most prestigious trophies.
His penalty kick in the final against Juventus in Manchester was nothing short of infallible, a moment etched in football history. But it was his remarkable goal against Boca Juniors that truly showcased his brilliance, helping Milan ascend to the pinnacle as the most successful club in the world. Nesta’s contributions left an indelible mark on the club’s legacy.
Matches played
326
Serie A matches
224
Total Goals
10
Serie A Goals
7
AC Milan Achievements:
Serie A (two) : 2004, 2011
Coppa Italia (one) : 2003
Supercoppa Italiana (two) : 2004, 2011
UEFA Champions League (two) : 2003, 2007
UEFA Super Cup (two) : 2003, 2007
FIFA Club World Cup (one) : 2007
Individual Honors:
Serie A Young Footballer of the Year: 1998
Serie A Defender of the Year: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
UEFA Club Football Awards Best Defender: 2003
UEFA Team of the Year: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007
UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2000
FIFPro World XI: 2005, 2007
FIFA 100
9. George Weah
George Weah embodied a relentless fusion of instinct, class, and sheer power. His football journey commenced in Africa but catapulted to prominence during his stints with Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain in France. AC Milan welcomed him into their ranks in 1995, and Weah made history as the first non-European footballer to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or.
A moment that sent the San Siro stadium into ecstatic frenzy occurred on September 8, 1996, when Weah executed his legendary “coast-to-coast” goal. In an astonishing display, he sprinted the length of the field before delivering a mesmerizing strike into the back of the net against Verona.
During his tenure with the Rossoneri, Weah’s contributions helped secure two Serie A titles, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s iconic figures.
Matches played
147
Serie A matches
114
Total Goals
58
Serie A Goals
46
AC Milan Honors:
Serie A: 1995-1996, 1998-99
Individual Honors:
Onze d’Or: 1995
Ballon d’Or: 1995
FIFA World Player of the Year: 1995
African Footballer of the Year: 1989, 1994, 1995
UEFA Champions League top scorers: 1994-95
FIFA Fair Play Award: 1996
African Player of the Century: 1996
FIFA 100
10. Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo’s journey to AC Milan began in 2001, emerging from the prolific youth sector of Brescia. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, he initially graced the field as an attacking midfielder, unleashing his creative prowess. However, Ancelotti’s tactical genius soon prompted a shift, positioning Pirlo slightly deeper, ultimately transforming him into one of the finest deep-lying playmakers in the world.
This strategic shift marked the inception of a triumphant era for the Rossoneri, who once again asserted their dominance on the global stage. Thanks to Pirlo’s metronomic control and precise passing, Milan surged to new heights. Over the course of a decade, he amassed a remarkable collection of titles, including 2 league titles, an Italian Cup, an Italian League Super Cup, a Champions League trophy, 2 European Super Cups, and a Club World Cup, solidifying his status as a Milan legend.
Matches played
401
Serie A matches
284
Total Goals
41
Serie A Goals
32
AC Milan Honors:
Serie A: 2004, 2011
Coppa Italia: 2003
Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
UEFA Champions League: 2003, 2007
UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007
FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
Individual Honors:
UEFA European Under-21 Championship Golden Player: 2000
UEFA European Under-21 Championship Top Scorer: 2000
2006 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament
FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball Award: 2006
2006 FIFA World Cup Final Man of the Match
FIFPro World XI: 2006
AC Milan Players That Won Balloon d’Or award With The Club:
Andriy Shevchenko
George Weah
Gianni Revera
Marco Van Basten
Ricardo Kaká
Ruud Gullit
Honourable mention:
Ronaldinho
Gianni Revera
Alessandro Costacurta
Gennaro Ivan Gattuso
Marcel Desailly
Nelson Dida
Roberto Baggio
Ibrahimovic
Frank Rijkaard
Roberto Rosato
Honesty, these players were outstanding during their time with AC Milan, but it is unfortunate tha they did not make it in our list of Top 10 AC Milan Greatest Players.
Conclusion
I don’t have much to talk about, as you can see for yourself that these players really graced San Siro grounds, their performances, dedications, and contributions towards AC Milan success in the world of football will forever remain in the hearts of Rossoneri’s fans.
FAQs
Who is the biggest legend in AC Milan?
Paolo Maldini, a true legend of Milan, holds the record for the most appearances in the club’s history. With an incredible 902 appearances during his remarkable 25-season journey from 1985 to 2009, he etched his name in the annals of football history.
And when it comes to goal-scoring prowess, Gunnar Nordahl takes the crown as the club’s top goalscorer. He netted an impressive 221 goals in just 268 appearances, leaving an indelible mark on Milan’s rich football heritage.
How many AC Milan players have won Ballon d Or?
There was a time when AC Milan stood as a dominant force in European football, and their players’ impressive tally of eight Ballon d’Or award victories stands as a testament to that era. The journey began with Gianni Rivera, who became the first Milan player to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, achieving this remarkable feat back in 1969.
Who is the best striker in AC Milan?
The leading goal scorers in Rossoneri history:
1. Gunnar Nordahl holds the record of highest goal scorer in AC Milan’s history with 221 goals.
2. Andriy Shevchenko is the second highest goal scorer with 175 goals.
3. Gianni Rivera is the third highest goal scorer with 164 goals.
4. José Altafini is the fourth highest goal scorer with 161 gaols.