AC Milan is set to make history in Italian football by celebrating Mother’s Day weekend in a unique and meaningful way. For the very first time, the players of AC Milan’s First Teams will proudly display their mothers’ surnames on their jerseys instead of their usual names. This symbolic gesture aims to shed light on the importance of personal identity rights, an issue that extends to every individual.
This groundbreaking move comes after a significant ruling by the Constitutional Court on 27 April 2022. The court declared discriminatory a law that mandated the automatic attribution of the paternal surname. Since 1 June of the same year, Italian law grants both parents the freedom to choose their children’s surnames, recognizing it as a fundamental element of personal identity.
In a landmark match against Cagliari on Saturday, 11 May, AC Milan’s men’s First Team will proudly don jerseys featuring their maternal surnames. This notable initiative has received enthusiastic support from five other Serie A clubs, further emphasizing the significance of the cause. As per tradition, these special jerseys will later be auctioned on MatchWornShirt, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Fondazione Milan. On this occasion, the donation will specifically contribute to the “A Goal to Dream” project, which promotes female empowerment through sport in Pakistan.
The women’s First Team will also adopt this homage on Sunday, 12 May, when they face Napoli in an away match. By wearing their mothers’ surnames with pride, AC Milan’s players are sending a powerful message about the importance of personal identity and highlighting the need for equal rights for all individuals.
In their noble pursuit of raising awareness and supporting charitable initiatives, AC Milan continues to demonstrate their commitment to community, inclusivity, and making a positive impact beyond the football pitch.
In a momentous game at San Siro on Saturday, the football world will witness a noteworthy change. When the line-ups are announced, both through the stadium loudspeakers and on the colossal screens, the maternal surnames will stand alongside the paternal ones. This innovative approach aims to raise awareness about the liberty to choose surnames for one’s children.
Furthermore, in a heartwarming gesture, a selection of youngsters benefiting from the “Corner Mom-Child” initiative, organized by the esteemed La Rotonda association, will accompany AC Milan players onto the field. This project dedicatedly supports mothers with children aged between 0 to 2 years. A delegation representing this initiative will grace the stadium stands, ceaselessly supporting the players.
Expressing his contentment, Giorgio Furlani, CEO of AC Milan, declared:
We take immense pride and joy in this initiative, conceived on the extraordinary occasion of Mother’s Day. It serves to shed light on the equal right to determine the surnames of one’s offspring. We are equally gratified by the enthusiastic participation of Lega Serie A and fellow clubs within our league. This endeavor aligns perfectly with AC Milan’s vision, consistently championing admirable values like social and gender equality, all while contributing to a collective and transformative cultural shift.
Giorgio Furlani, CEO of AC Milan
AC Milan star player and esteemed USMNT representative, Christian Pulisic, also shared his thoughts, “Having our mothers’ names emblazoned on our jerseys is a profound way to pay homage to the extraordinary women who have nurtured and influenced our lives. It symbolizes the centrality of family and the resilient bonds that propel us forward, on and off the football pitch. It is an immense privilege to represent my mother in this distinct and heartfelt manner, alongside my teammates at AC Milan.“
This momentous occasion demands a tone of seriousness and professionalism, as we celebrate the significance of family and the unity it nurtures, avoiding any form of exclamation.
“In both my personal and professional journey,” remarked Davide Calabria, captain of AC Milan’s men’s First Team, “there is no one more pivotal than my mother. She selflessly gave up everything for me, instilling in me the essence of sacrifice and unwavering devotion. Having the privilege to display her surname on the field during this upcoming match fills me with immense pride.“
Valentina Bergamaschi, captain of AC Milan’s women’s First Team, shared her thoughts, saying, “My mother holds an unparalleled significance in my life, and I am genuinely honoured to represent a club that, on this remarkable occasion, actively promotes awareness regarding crucial matters such as the freedom to choose children’s surnames. Gender equality should encompass even the smallest aspects of life.“
This campaign, a collaborative effort by Serviceplan Italia and endorsed by Lega Serie A, perfectly aligns with AC Milan’s steadfast commitment to fostering fairness, inclusivity, and diversity. The club continues to actively contribute towards creating positive transformations within and beyond the realm of football.
