Few clubs in world football can boast a history as rich and illustrious as AC Milan. From their dominance in Europe to their legacy of producing and attracting some of the greatest players the game has ever seen, the Rossoneri have written their name in football’s pantheon of greatness.
Massimo Ambrosini, a Milan icon himself, spent 18 years at the club, earning a reputation as a midfield general and leader. Recently, he revealed his All-Time Milan XI, a lineup that perfectly encapsulates the club's enduring brilliance. Here’s a closer look at his picks, each of whom left an indelible mark on AC Milan's storied history.
Goalkeeper: Sebastiano Rossi
A towering figure between the posts, Sebastiano Rossi was synonymous with Milan's defensive dominance in the 1990s. His incredible shot-stopping ability and commanding presence were instrumental during one of the club’s most successful periods. Rossi still holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in Serie A, going 929 minutes without conceding a goal during the 1993–94 season.
Defenders: Tassotti, Costacurta, Baresi, Maldini
Milan's backline in Ambrosini's XI reads like a who’s who of defensive legends.
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Right-back: Mauro Tassotti
A tireless defender with incredible tactical awareness, Tassotti was a vital part of Milan’s golden era. His versatility and defensive acumen ensured he was a stalwart on the right flank for over a decade. -
Centre-back: Alessandro Costacurta
Known affectionately as "Billy," Costacurta was the ideal modern center-back. His reading of the game and partnership with Baresi was legendary, forming one of the most formidable defensive duos in football history. -
Centre-back: Franco Baresi
The heart and soul of AC Milan for two decades, Baresi is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. His leadership, positioning, and ability to marshal the defense made him the ultimate captain. -
Left-back: Paolo Maldini
A player who redefined what it meant to be a full-back, Maldini was the embodiment of elegance and longevity. His career spanned three decades, and he remained a world-class performer throughout, whether at left-back or center-back.
Midfield: Rijkaard, Donadoni, Pirlo, Kaká
Ambrosini’s midfield combines power, creativity, and flair, showcasing the club’s ability to dominate matches from the center of the park.
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Defensive Midfield: Frank Rijkaard
A powerhouse in midfield, Rijkaard’s blend of strength and technique made him a vital cog in Milan’s late-80s dominance. He was equally adept at breaking up opposition play and contributing to attacks. -
Central Midfield: Roberto Donadoni
One of the most gifted wingers-turned-midfielders in Milan history, Donadoni was a creative force with an eye for goal. His versatility and vision made him a linchpin of Milan's success during his tenure. -
Central Midfield: Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo’s time at Milan saw him evolve into a deep-lying playmaker of unmatched quality. His ability to dictate the tempo of games and deliver pinpoint passes earned him a legendary status at the club. -
Attacking Midfield: Kaká
Few players could light up a game like Kaká in his prime. The Brazilian maestro combined searing pace with dazzling skill and an eye for goal, making him one of Milan's most electrifying players. His Ballon d’Or win in 2007 remains a testament to his brilliance.
Forwards: Marco van Basten, Andriy Shevchenko
Ambrosini’s attack pairs two of the greatest strikers in football history, both of whom left fans breathless with their exploits in front of goal.
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Striker: Marco van Basten
Often described as a "complete forward," van Basten was poetry in motion. His technical ability, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Despite his career being cut short by injury, van Basten’s legacy as one of the greatest strikers ever remains intact. -
Striker: Andriy Shevchenko
The Ukrainian goal machine was a talisman for Milan in the early 2000s. His combination of pace, power, and lethal finishing saw him become one of the most prolific scorers in Milan’s history.
A Team for the Ages
Massimo Ambrosini’s All-Time Milan XI is more than just a collection of great players—it’s a tribute to the eras of dominance and excellence that have defined the Rossoneri.
From the defensive resilience of Baresi and Maldini to the creative genius of Kaká and Pirlo, and the goalscoring brilliance of van Basten and Shevchenko, this team epitomizes Milan’s footballing ethos. It’s a lineup that would strike fear into any opponent and bring joy to any football purist.