Since its founding in 1899, AC Milan has attracted some of the most talented and influential players in football history, serving as a stage where legends are made. These athletes, through their skill, vision, and determination, have defined eras and lifted the club to glory. From brief but impactful stints like that of Thiago Silva to the unwavering loyalty of Franco Baresi, Milan’s history is shaped as much by its iconic players as by its trophies, making the team a joy to watch whenever they take the field.
And, many loyal Milan fans also place the occasional wager on their favourite team player, because what better way to enjoy an action-packed football game than potentially winning some extra money on the side, right? It also doesn’t hurt that there are plenty of trustworthy operators on NoDepositRewards.org to choose from, making your sports betting adventure not only fun, but one which you can enjoy with peace of mind.
Join us as we break down the players who have made AC Milan what it is today:
1. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva’s spell at AC Milan may have been brief, lasting from 2009 to 2012, but it was anything but insignificant. The Brazilian arrived from Fluminense in January 2009, though bureaucratic restrictions on non-EU players delayed his official debut. In the meantime, he trained alongside Rossoneri legends like Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, absorbing the high standards of Italian defending. By the time he finally stepped onto the pitch the following season, he was already being tipped as Maldini’s natural successor. Silva’s composure on the ball, sharp anticipation, and physical dominance quickly made him indispensable in Milan’s back line.
Although he was eager to stay and build a lasting legacy at San Siro, the club’s growing financial troubles forced an unwanted sale in the summer of 2012. Both Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimović were transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, a move that symbolized the end of an era. For Silva, the departure was painful. He often spoke of Milan as his true footballing home and fondly recalled the honor of sharing a dressing room with greats like Maldini, Pirlo, Seedorf, and Inzaghi.
2. Alessandro Nesta:
Alessandro Nesta cemented his status as one of the greatest defenders the sport has ever seen during his 10-year stint with AC Milan. From 2002 to 2012, he proved himself worth every bit of his €30 million transfer fee, immediately becoming the cornerstone of Milan’s backline.
Throughout his time at the club, Nesta was admired for his composure under pressure, flawless reading of the game, and his ability to win challenges without ever seeming rushed. He is especially remembered for forming a near-perfect partnership with Paolo Maldini, widely regarded as one of the best defensive duos of their era. Nesta collected ten major trophies with Milan, including two Champions League titles (2003 and 2007), a Serie A championship in 2004, and multiple domestic and international cups.
3. Clarence Seedorf:
After arriving from Inter in 2002, Clarence Seedorf quickly won over Rossoneri supporters with his intelligence, versatility, and ability to dictate the rhythm of games. During his 10-year stay at San Siro, Seedorf achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player to win the Champions League with three different clubs, lifting the trophy with Ajax, Real Madrid, and twice with Milan, in 2003 and 2007. His influence was so significant that UEFA named him the Best Midfielder in the Champions League in 2007, a testament to his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.
4. Franco Baresi:
One of the most formidable players in AC Milan’s history, Franco Baresi enjoyed a remarkable 20-year career at the club, from 1977 to 1997. As the anchor of a legendary backline that included Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti, he helped lead Milan to five Serie A titles, three European Cups, and global acclaim.
Captain for the final 15 seasons of his career, Baresi led by example, combining ferocious tackling with exceptional game intelligence and the ability to initiate attacks from the back. His tactical awareness and positional sense made him the cerebral core of Milan’s defense.
Baresi’s loyalty never wavered, even during the club’s two relegations to Serie B, earning him the eternal admiration of the Curva Sud. Recognized by Pelé on the FIFA 100 list, Baresi’s legacy was further cemented when Milan retired his iconic number six shirt, one of only two numbers ever retired by the club.
5. Paolo Maldini:
Paolo Maldini spent his entire 25-year career at AC Milan, making him the ultimate one-club man. He debuted at 16 in 1985, quickly joining a legendary defense with Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassotti, and Alessandro Costacurta, and later led new defensive lineups with Alessandro Nesta, Cafu, and Jaap Stam.
Nicknamed “Il Capitano”, Maldini captained both Milan and Italy, playing 902 matches for Milan and 126 for the national team. He faced some of football’s greatest attackers, earning a reputation as one of the toughest and most intelligent defenders ever.
Maldini won five European Cups, seven Serie A titles, and 21 major trophies, remaining world-class even at 39. Son of Cesare Maldini, he combined natural talent, dedication, and leadership, guiding Milan through both triumphs and challenges. His career is a model of loyalty, consistency, and defensive excellence.
6. Marco Van Basten:
Marco van Basten joined AC Milan in 1987, part of Silvio Berlusconi’s ambitious plan to bring Dutch stars to San Siro alongside Ruud Gullit and later Frank Rijkaard. Arriving from Ajax, where he had already built a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer, Van Basten made an immediate impact, helping Milan secure the Serie A title in his debut season. Nicknamed the “Swan of Utrecht”, he became known for his grace, precision, and ability to score in a variety of ways.
Injuries limited him to just seven fully healthy seasons, yet he still scored 125 goals in 201 appearances, establishing himself as a key figure in Milan’s late-80s and early-90s dominance. During his time at the club, Van Basten won 3 Serie A titles, 2 European Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups, and 2 Intercontinental Cups. Individually, he earned 3 Ballon d’Or awards, 2 Serie A top scorer honors, and a Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
Recurring ankle problems forced Van Basten to retire in 1995 at just 33, cutting short a brilliant career. Despite this, his elegance, scoring ability, and role in Milan’s golden era cemented him as one of the club’s most iconic forwards.
7. Filippo Inzaghi:
Filippo Inzaghi, affectionately known as “Superpippo,” inked a deal with AC Milan after proving himself at clubs including Piacenza, Parma, Atalanta, and Juventus. Renowned for his instinctive goal-scoring ability, Inzaghi became a key figure for the Rossoneri, netting 126 goals in 300 appearances. He played a vital role in securing 2 Champions League titles, 2 Serie A titles, a Club World Cup, 2 UEFA Super Cups, a Coppa Italia, and an Italian Super Cup. Ranked sixth on Milan’s all-time scoring list, Inzaghi is remembered as a relentless forward whose instincts and composure made him a constant threat in decisive moments.
8. Kakà:
Kaká secured a position at AC Milan at 21 and quickly became a key player. His speed, vision, and ability to carry the ball through midfield made him a constant threat and earned him praise from teammates like Andriy Shevchenko.
During his time at Milan, he won Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, and the Intercontinental Cup, and also claimed the Ballon d’Or, the last Serie A player to do so before the Messi-Ronaldo era. Despite injuries later limiting his impact, Kaká left a lasting mark and is remembered as one of Milan’s most talented and influential players.
9. Gianni Rivera:
Gianni Rivera spent nearly two decades at AC Milan, following a short spell at Alessandria, and became one of the club’s most iconic figures. Serving as captain for 13 years, Rivera set records for appearances and led Milan through one of its most successful eras.
Nicknamed the “Golden Boy”, Rivera thrived under manager Nereo Rocco, whose disciplined approach required even attacking players to help defensively. Unlike many Italian players of his time, Rivera combined creativity and elegance, guiding Milan to Serie A titles, two European Cups, two Cup Winners’ Cups, four Coppa Italia trophies, and an Intercontinental Cup, while scoring 122 goals in 501 games, an exceptional record for a midfielder.
10. Andrea Pirlo:
Andrea Pirlo arrived at AC Milan in 2001 and quickly established himself as the team’s midfield maestro. His vision, pinpoint passing, and ability to control the tempo made him the cornerstone of Milan’s Champions League triumphs in 2003 and 2007. With Gennaro Gattuso handling the defensive duties, Pirlo was free to orchestrate play from deep, an arrangement that flourished under Carlo Ancelotti’s trust and tactical system.
Even into his 30s, Pirlo continued to deliver moments of brilliance, including a memorable long-range strike against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. During his time at Milan, he won multiple Serie A titles, Champions League trophies, and domestic cups, cementing a lasting legacy at the club and laying the foundation for Italy's 2006 World Cup success.
