The 2025/26 season finds AC Milan in a state of determined reconstruction under the guidance of Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese manager who took the helm in 2024 following Stefano Pioli’s emotional departure after five transformative years. The Rossoneri’s Scudetto triumph of 2021/22 remains a cherished memory, but the club has since undergone significant transition, losing veteran leaders while refreshing the squad with younger, hungrier talents. The San Siro, shared with city rivals Inter, remains one of football’s most iconic cathedrals, its towering spiral towers and passionate Curva Sud creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. This season’s squad reflects Milan’s evolving identity: a blend of homegrown Italian talents, undervalued internationals, and emerging stars, all drilled in Fonseca’s attacking, possession-based system. The club’s ownership, now under RedBird Capital, continues to prioritise financial sustainability while maintaining competitiveness. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Milan’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Mike Maignan (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Lille
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2021)
Mike Maignan has become one of the world’s finest goalkeepers, his French international pedigree, reflexes, and distribution proving instrumental in Milan’s Scudetto triumph and subsequent Champions League qualification campaigns. The 30-year-old’s shot-stopping (78% save percentage in 2024/25, 77% in 2025/26 to date) and post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/- of +7.2, ranking second among Serie A keepers) remain elite. Maignan’s distribution (91% pass completion), particularly his quick throws to initiate counters and clipped passes to advancing full-backs, suits Fonseca’s possession-based build-up perfectly. His command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (89% success) and organising set-piece defences, provides defensive security. Having started 32 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 14 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable after early injury struggles. Maignan’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan rejecting January 2026 approaches from Paris Saint-Germain. Maignan’s performance against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina—making 9 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Marco Sportiello
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, Fiorentina
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Marco Sportiello has accepted a rotational role behind Maignan, providing Italian experience, shot-stopping reliability, and cup competition cover. The 33-year-old’s reflexes (73% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) provide functional cover. Sportiello started 12 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Maignan’s rest), keeping 5 clean sheets. Sportiello’s contract expires in 2027.
3. Lorenzo Torriani
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Milan academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Lorenzo Torriani has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Milan’s Primavera setup. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan viewing him as long-term prospect.
Defenders
1. Fikayo Tomori
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Derby County (loan)
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2021)
Fikayo Tomori has become Milan’s defensive leader and one of Serie A’s most athletic centre-backs, his English recovery pace, tackling, and Scudetto-winning experience making him indispensable. The 28-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His recovery pace (35.7 km/h) enables Milan’s moderately high defensive line to function without suicidal risk. Tomori’s tackling (2.9 per 90) and aerial duel success (82%) provide physical presence. His partnership with Malick Thiaw has conceded only 0.92 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Tomori’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan rejecting January 2026 approaches from Tottenham. Tomori’s performance against Juventus in November 2025—nullifying Dušan Vlahović, winning 10 duels—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Malick Thiaw
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Schalke 04
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2022)
Malick Thiaw has emerged as Tomori’s long-term partner, the German centre-back providing physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical intelligence across three transformative seasons at Milan. The 24-year-old’s aerial duel success (85%) leads Milan’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. His reading of the game (2.4 interceptions per 90) and positioning provide defensive security. Thiaw’s passing (89% completion) remains secure. Thiaw’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan rejecting January 2026 approaches.
3. Theo Hernández
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Alavés (loan)
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2019)
Theo Hernández has become the world’s most devastating attacking full-back, his French international pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring instincts revolutionising the left-back position. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.8 per 90) and dribbling (4.2 successful take-ons per 90) terrorise defenders. His finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (8 assists) provide elite production from full-back. Theo’s recovery pace (35.9 km/h) and defensive positioning (1.8 interceptions per 90) have improved through consistent coaching. Theo’s relationship with French-speaking teammates provides comfort. Theo’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan rejecting January 2026 approaches from Real Madrid and Manchester City. Theo’s performance against Atalanta in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting another—demonstrated his unique quality.
4. Davide Calabria (Captain)
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Milan academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Davide Calabria has become Milan’s captain and longest-serving current first-team player, the academy graduate providing Italian work rate, defensive diligence, and emotional leadership across a decade at the San Siro. The 29-year-old’s defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. His overlapping runs (3.5 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. Calabria’s leadership, formalised as club captain following the Scudetto triumph, manages Milan’s dressing room through professional standards and Milanista passion. Calabria’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
5. Pierre Kalulu
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Lyon B
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2020)
Pierre Kalulu has provided versatile defensive depth following his patient development, the French defender offering centre-back and right-back cover, recovery pace, and tactical intelligence. The 25-year-old’s versatility offers Fonseca tactical flexibility. Kalulu’s recovery pace (35.3 km/h) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide functional cover. Kalulu’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Strahinja Pavlović
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, Basel, Monaco
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2024)
Strahinja Pavlović’s summer 2024 arrival from Monaco added Serbian physicality, aerial dominance, and left-footed centre-back depth to Milan’s squad. The 24-year-old’s aerial duel success (84%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide functional cover. Pavlović’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Emerson Royal
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Barcelona, Real Betis, Tottenham Hotspur
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2025)
Emerson Royal’s summer 2025 arrival from Tottenham added Brazilian experience, right-back depth, and defensive diligence to Milan’s squad. The 26-year-old’s defensive positioning (2.1 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide functional cover. Emerson’s contract runs through 2029.
8. Álex Jiménez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2024)
Álex Jiménez has emerged as a promising right-back rotation option following his arrival from Real Madrid Castilla, providing Spanish youth pedigree and attacking thrust. The 20-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Midfielders
1. Tijjani Reijnders
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar
Transfer Fee: £18 million (2023)
Tijjani Reijnders has become one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders, the Dutch international providing passing range, ball-carrying, and goal threat that has justified every penny of his transfer fee. The 27-year-old’s passing (5.6 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion) and composure under pressure enable Milan to build play through midfield. His ball-carrying (4.3 progressive carries per 90) and dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90) bypass opposition presses. Reijnders’s finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (9 assists) provide elite production from central midfield. His partnership with Youssouf Fofana provides midfield balance (Reijnders’s creativity, Fofana’s destruction). Reijnders’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan rejecting January 2026 approaches from Manchester City. Reijnders’s performance against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina—scoring a brace, controlling tempo—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Youssouf Fofana
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Strasbourg, Monaco
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2024)
Youssouf Fofana has become Milan’s midfield destroyer, the French international providing tackling, physicality, and tactical discipline following his summer 2024 arrival from Monaco. The 26-year-old’s tackling (3.4 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) lead Milan’s midfield. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.5 pressures per 90) set Fonseca’s standards. Fofana’s ball-carrying (3.8 progressive carries per 90) provides midfield progression. Fofana’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Ismaël Bennacer
Nationality: Algerian
Former Clubs: Arsenal, Tours (loan), Empoli (loan)
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2019)
Ismaël Bennacer’s Milan career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 14 matches in 2025/26), yet the Algerian provides passing quality, tactical intelligence, and defensive midfield depth when fit. The 28-year-old’s passing (5.2 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure enable Milan to build play through midfield. Bennacer’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Yunus Musah
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Valencia, Arsenal (youth)
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2023)
Yunus Musah has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following patient integration, the American international providing energy, ball-carrying, and tactical discipline. The 23-year-old’s ball-carrying (4.1 progressive carries per 90) and work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) provide functional depth. Musah’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Fulham (loan)
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2023)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has provided midfield depth following his arrival from Chelsea, offering English physicality, ball-carrying, and tactical versatility. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Kevin Zeroli
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Milan academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Kevin Zeroli has graduated from Milan’s Primavera to emergency midfield depth following promising development. The 20-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Tommaso Pobega
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Milan academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Tommaso Pobega has provided emergency midfield depth following his return from loan spells. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Forwards
1. Christian Pulisic
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea
Transfer Fee: £18 million (2023)
Christian Pulisic has become one of Serie A’s most productive wingers, the American captain providing finishing, creativity, and end product that has silenced pre-transfer sceptics. The 27-year-old’s finishing (14 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (11 assists) provide elite production from the right flank. His dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and cutting inside onto his left foot terrorise defenders. Pulisic’s work rate defensively—tracking full-backs (1.8 tackles per 90)—suits Fonseca’s demands. Pulisic’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan rejecting January 2026 approaches. Pulisic’s performance against Lazio in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, all cutting inside—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Rafael Leão
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Sporting CP, Lille
Transfer Fee: £40 million (2019)
Rafael Leão has become one of the world’s most devastating wingers, the Portuguese international providing explosive pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring instincts that powered Milan’s Scudetto triumph. The 26-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.4 seconds) and dribbling (4.8 successful take-ons per 90) terrorise defenders from the left flank. His finishing (16 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (9 assists) provide elite production. Leão’s work rate (10.2 pressures per 90) remains inconsistent, but his game-breaking ability justifies selection. Leão’s relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates provides comfort. Leão’s contract runs through 2029, with Milan rejecting January 2026 approaches from Paris Saint-Germain. Leão’s performance against Napoli in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting another—demonstrated his generational talent.
3. Samuel Chukwueze
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Villarreal
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2023)
Samuel Chukwueze has provided wide depth following his arrival from Villarreal, offering Nigerian pace, dribbling, and attacking thrust from the right flank. The 26-year-old’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Chukwueze’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Tammy Abraham
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Bristol City (loan), Swansea City (loan), Aston Villa (loan), Roma
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2025)
Tammy Abraham’s summer 2025 arrival from Roma, following his recovery from an ACL rupture, added English finishing, physicality, and penalty-box presence to Milan’s attack. The 28-year-old’s finishing (10 goals in 2025/26) and hold-up play (72% success) provide consistent scoring threat. Abraham’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.5 pressures per 90) suits Fonseca’s demands. Abraham’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Luka Jović
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: Red Star Belgrade, Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid, Fiorentina
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Luka Jović has accepted a rotational striker role following his free transfer from Fiorentina, providing Serbian finishing, movement, and penalty-box presence. The 28-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Jović’s contract expires in 2027.
6. Noah Okafor
Nationality: Swiss
Former Clubs: Basel, RB Salzburg
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2023)
Noah Okafor has provided wide depth following his arrival from RB Salzburg, offering Swiss pace, dribbling, and versatility across the frontline. The 25-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Okafor’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Lorenzo Colombo
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Milan academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Lorenzo Colombo has provided emergency striker depth following his return from loan spells. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
AC Milan’s 2025/26 squad represents the most balanced and tactically coherent group assembled since the Scudetto-winning campaign of 2021/22, a testament to Paulo Fonseca’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Reijnders, Pulisic, Fofana), and the club’s academy production (Calabria, Gabbia as loan return). The defence, anchored by Fikayo Tomori’s English athleticism and Theo Hernández’s French attacking brilliance, provides platform for Fonseca’s possession-based, attacking system. The midfield, dominated by Tijjani Reijnders’s Dutch creativity and Youssouf Fofana’s French destruction, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Rafael Leão’s Portuguese wizardry and Christian Pulisic’s American productivity, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Milan has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Leão, Pulisic, Reijnders, and Thiaw represent the club’s prime core while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves finally breaking Inter’s domestic stranglehold and mounting a serious Champions League challenge—a trophy Milan has not won since 2007. Yet the San Siro’s legendary atmosphere, amplified by the Curva Sud’s passionate supporters, provides emotional fuel. Milan no longer hopes merely to compete; they expect to challenge for every trophy. This squad appears equipped to deliver another Scudetto and a deep European run. Forza Milan.
