The 2006-07 AC Milan home jersey is a significant piece of football history, as it symbolizes one of the most iconic seasons in the club's storied past. Worn by legends such as Paolo Maldini, Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, and Filippo Inzaghi, this jersey became synonymous with Milan’s triumph in the UEFA Champions League, marking their seventh victory in Europe's premier competition.
The 2006-07 AC Milan home jersey continued the club’s traditional design, featuring the classic red and black stripes that have been a hallmark of the club since its inception. The jersey was produced by Adidas, who were the technical sponsors for AC Milan at the time, while the front of the jersey prominently featured the Opel logo, the club’s main sponsor for the season.
The red and black stripes were narrower than in some previous years, evoking a sense of continuity and tradition. The balance between the two colors was designed to reflect Milan’s nickname, “Rossoneri” (red and black). Unlike some seasons where the black stripes were more dominant, this kit offered an equal distribution of the two colors, giving it a refined and sharp look.
A key feature of the design was the use of a subtle, thinner red stripe within the black sections of the jersey, giving it a modern twist while maintaining the club’s identity. The Adidas three stripes, in white, ran down the sleeves, complementing the otherwise bold and contrasting colors. The V-neck collar was also black with a thin red outline, rounding off the design with elegance.
The jersey was made from Adidas' ClimaCool technology, which aimed to enhance the player's performance by keeping them cool and dry during matches. This technology was particularly important during high-stakes games, ensuring that the players were comfortable throughout 90 minutes of play.
The fit of the jersey was slightly tighter compared to previous models, reflecting a broader shift in football kits towards more form-fitting designs, which allowed for better aerodynamics and reduced drag during high-speed movements on the field. This was in line with the broader trend in football kit design during the mid-2000s, as sportswear manufacturers began focusing more on functionality in addition to style.
The 2006-07 season is etched in the memories of Milan fans, not just for the beauty of the jersey but for the incredible moments it witnessed. This shirt was worn on the night of May 23, 2007, when Milan defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the Champions League final held in Athens. It was a particularly emotional victory as it avenged their devastating loss to Liverpool in the 2005 final in Istanbul.
Filippo Inzaghi scored twice, wearing this jersey, sealing a victory that brought the Champions League trophy back to Milan. Paolo Maldini, the captain and an AC Milan legend, lifted the trophy while donning this shirt, marking his fifth personal Champions League title, an incredible achievement in European football history.
For the fans, this became a jersey of pride and redemption.