AC Milan will mark Mother’s Day weekend with a heartfelt tribute during their Serie A match against Bologna on Friday evening.
In a now-annual tradition, the Rossoneri players will wear their mothers’ maiden names on the backs of their shirts, replacing their regular surnames.
With Milan chasing a spot in Europe and Bologna just a point off the Champions League places, there are serious stakes to play for.
Why Milan Players Are Wearing Different Names on Their Shirts
The initiative is part of Milan’s broader campaign to honour and celebrate mothers across Italy. Since the game is being played on Friday, May 9—two days before Mother’s Day in Italy (May 11)—the club will use the occasion to publicly pay tribute.
In addition to the surname swap:
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The stadium announcer will read out each player’s maternal surname
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The names will be displayed on San Siro’s big screens throughout the match
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The VIP lounge will host players’ mothers and children, as well as family members of club staff
AC Milan Lineup vs Bologna: Players’ Surnames Converted
Here’s the probable AC Milan lineup with the maternal surnames listed:
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Goalkeeper: Maignan (Y. Maignan)
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Defenders: Tomori (Sodipo), Gabbia (Colombo), Pavlovic (Pavlovic)
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Midfielders: Jimenez (Sanchez), Loftus-Cheek (Cheek), Reijnders (Lekatompessy), Theo Hernandez (Laurence)
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Forwards: Pulisic (Harlow), Joao Felix (Carla Felix), Santiago Gimenez (Zolotarchuk)
Milan Launches Charity Campaign to Support Young Mothers
Milan’s Mother’s Day campaign extends beyond symbolism. The club is also supporting a fundraising initiative to help around 70 teenage mothers. The campaign includes:
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Auction of match-worn jerseys
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Proceeds from the new women’s collection (sold in official stores and online from May 9–11)
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Ticket sales from the Mondo Milan Museum on match day
