When Milan tunes on San Siro on Friday night to meet Bologna in Serie A, supporters can make a double. The names of the players’ shirts – families like Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez and Joao Felix – are not what fans expect. In a curious twist, Milan’s player takes the plan without their usual last name. But what initially seems like a cryptic riddle is in fact a deeply meaningful gesture that is rooted in celebrating, awareness and tradition.
This weekend’s meeting is the first of two duels in five days between Milan and Bologna. While the latter continues its fight for a Champions League site, Rossoneri sharpens its focus on next week Italian Cupfinale in Rome. In that light, this match acts as a foreplay – a test of rhythm and preparedness. Nevertheless, the most important talk point before Kickoff has a bit to do with tactics or choices of teams.
Milan’s manager Sergio Concepticao skipped the press conference before the match and increased the feeling of mystery. Whispers about potential squad rotations dominated the headings, but what really caught the attention of fans was Absence of the Players’ Surname on the Official Position.
The reason why the milan stars will not carry their last names on the sweaters
The reason behind the unusual sweaters is now clear: Milan again honors Mother’s Day by having his first team players carrying their mother’s maiden names on their kitsA tradition that they first introduced last season. The tribute is not only a symbolic gesture – it is part of a larger Social campaign is run by Fondazione Milan.
“Over the weekend, players from the men’s first team will take the field with their mother’s maiden names on the back of their shirts,” readings An official statement from San Sirooutfit. “Players ‘mothers’ surname will present in Milan’s official line-up recognition, which is shown on San Siro’s giant screens and reads aloud by the announcer.”
In addition to match day rates include the tribute Mother’s day theme graphics over the stadiumWith visuals cured from posts by players, club legends and fans. These messages aim to celebrate the influence of the mothers, not only in the player’s personal journeys but also as a nick for broader community grants.
More than gesture and tradition
The initiative goes even further. Fondazione Milan will support approximately 70 teenage mothers Through a collection campaign linked to the event. The effort is in collaboration with Defenseless space hubA center in the Gallaratesian district in Milan, which offers parenting support services. The hub was opened in 2021 by Men of men With the support of the foundation, a crucial role plays in supporting vulnerable young mothers.
There is another powerful warehouse for this initiative. By showing off the surnames of the mothers, the red and blacks help to raise awareness of Italy’s constitutional court judgment no. 131 of 2022Who defeated the automatic allocation of the father’s last name to newborns. The decision provided Italian parents equal rights to choose their child’s last nameA milestone in equality. Despite the decision, the public understanding of the change has remained limited. Milan’s platform offers a chance to change it with football’s massive audience to spark conversation.
Last year, Milan debuted this initiative with one 5-1 victory over CagliariAnd it was immediately embraced as a bold, progressive statement. That tradition continues, not only as a moving tribute but as a rally call for awareness, inclusion and support for women and young mothers in Italy.
So when fans look Gimenez, Felix or Pulisic’s jerseys missing their usual last namesThey will now understand that it is far from a mistake. It is a reminder that behind Every player is a story – and often a mom – Worth celebrates.
