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The storied legacy of AC Milan—one of the most celebrated football clubs in the
world—had its humble beginnings in the late 19th century. This Italian
powerhouse, revered for its success on the pitch, rich history, and passionate
fanbase, was founded in a time when football itself was just beginning to take root
in Italy. Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating origins of AC Milan, exploring 10
compelling facts that shaped the early days of this iconic club.
1. Founded by an Englishman: The Vision of Alfred Edwards
AC Milan owes its existence to Alfred Edwards, a British expatriate who moved to
Italy in the late 19th century. A former vice-consul of the British Embassy in Milan,
Edwards was passionate about sports and sought to introduce the growing
phenomenon of football to the city. With the help of his fellow Englishman Herbert
Kilpin, Edwards co-founded the club on December 16, 1899. Their goal was to
establish a football and cricket club that embodied the spirit of fair play and
competition.
Edwards served as the club’s first president, using his diplomatic connections and
leadership skills to lay a strong foundation for what would become one of Italy’s
most successful football institutions.
2. The Original Name: Milan Cricket and Football Club
Before it became AC Milan as we know it today, the club was officially called the
Milan Cricket and Football Club. Cricket was a popular sport among the British
expatriate community in Italy, and it was natural for Edwards and Kilpin to include
it in the club’s activities.
Interestingly, the emphasis on cricket in the club’s early name reflected the
founders’ English roots. However, as football gained popularity, the focus gradually
shifted to the beautiful game, and cricket faded from the club’s priorities. By the
early 1900s, football had become the club’s sole pursuit.
3. Why “Milan” and Not “Milano”?
You might wonder why the club’s name uses the English spelling "Milan" instead of
the Italian "Milano." This choice was a deliberate nod to the English founders of the
club, underscoring their heritage and influence. To this day, the name AC Milan
serves as a reminder of the club’s Anglo-Italian origins.
This blend of cultures gave AC Milan a unique identity, making it stand out among
Italian clubs, many of which have distinctly local names rooted in their cities’
Italian heritage.
4. Herbert Kilpin: The Father of AC Milan
Herbert Kilpin, a Nottingham-born textile worker, is often regarded as the true
driving force behind AC Milan’s early development. Known for his charisma and
passion for football, Kilpin served as both a player and the team’s first coach. He
even designed the club’s iconic red and black jersey, famously declaring, “We will
be a team of devils. Our colors will be red, like fire, and black, to invoke fear in our
opponents.”
Kilpin’s legacy lives on, and he remains a cherished figure in the hearts of AC Milan
fans. His grave in Milan’s Cimitero Monumentale has become a pilgrimage site for
die-hard supporters.
5. The Club’s First Headquarters: A Small Tavern
AC Milan’s humble beginnings were rooted in a modest tavern called the
Fiaschetteria Toscana, located on Via Berchet in central Milan. It was here that
Edwards and Kilpin held the club’s first official meetings, discussing strategies,
organizing matches, and planning the club’s future.
This unassuming setting marked the start of a journey that would take the club
from local obscurity to international fame. Today, the location of the tavern is a
significant part of Milanese football lore.
6. Early Challenges: Rivalries and Rejection
AC Milan’s early years were not without challenges. The club’s first rivalry emerged
in 1908, when internal disputes over signing foreign players led to the formation of
a breakaway club, Internazionale (Inter Milan). This schism gave birth to one of the
most intense and enduring rivalries in football history: the Derby della Madonnina.
The rivalry between AC Milan and Inter Milan encapsulates more than just football.
It reflects deep-seated cultural and social differences in the city of Milan, with AC
Milan traditionally associated with the working class and Inter representing a more
cosmopolitan, bourgeois identity.
7. First Success: Winning the King’s Trophy
AC Milan’s first major triumph came in 1901, just two years after its founding. The
team won the King’s Trophy (“Trofeo del Re”), defeating Genoa to claim the title.
This victory marked Milan’s emergence as a serious contender in Italian football
and set the stage for future successes.
The King’s Trophy was a precursor to the modern Italian championship, and AC
Milan’s victory was a significant achievement, showcasing the club’s potential to
dominate Italian football in the years to come.
8. Colors of Passion: Red and Black
The red and black stripes of AC Milan’s jersey are among the most recognizable in
football. Herbert Kilpin’s choice of colors was more than an aesthetic decision; it
was a symbolic statement. Red represented the fiery passion and determination of
the players, while black symbolized the opponents’ fear and the challenges the
club would face.
Over the decades, the iconic red and black jersey has become synonymous with
excellence, worn by legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, and
Kaka.
9. Early Days of Inclusivity: Welcoming Foreign Players
From its inception, AC Milan embraced inclusivity, welcoming players from diverse
nationalities. This openness set the club apart in an era when many teams were
focused on recruiting local talent. The founders’ English heritage undoubtedly
influenced this approach, encouraging the integration of players from different
backgrounds.
This tradition of internationalism has continued throughout the club’s history, with
AC Milan becoming a global brand celebrated for its multicultural teams.
10. The Club’s Legacy: From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon
From its founding in 1899 to its rise as a footballing powerhouse, AC Milan’s
journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a small club
meeting in a tavern grew into an institution that boasts 19 Serie A titles, 7 UEFA
Champions League trophies, and an enduring global fanbase.
The founding principles of AC Milan—fair play, passion, and inclusivity—have
remained central to its identity. These values, coupled with a relentless drive for
success, have ensured that AC Milan’s legacy endures, inspiring generations of
fans and players alike.
The story of AC Milan’s founding is a testament to the vision and determination of
its early pioneers. From Alfred Edwards and Herbert Kilpin’s dream of creating a
football club to the red and black colors that strike fear into opponents, AC Milan’s
history is filled with remarkable milestones and fascinating anecdotes.
These 10 facts about the club’s origins offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of AC
Milan’s history, reminding us that even the grandest institutions have humble
beginnings. As fans continue to chant and cheer for their beloved Rossoneri, they
carry forward a legacy that began over a century ago in a small tavern in Milan.
