The background story: a symbol of passion, solidarity and innovation
With its iconic Rossoneri colours, the AC Milan jersey is a symbol capable of uniting the over 500 million AC Milan fans worldwide. Some jerseys are synonymous with triumphs and epic achievements close to the heart of every Rossoneri fan, while others are able to tell unique stories and stir consciences. This is the case of one particular jersey that was discovered and photographed by renowned Danish war photographer Jan Grarup during a trip to South Sudan to document the effects of the severe floods that have ravaged the country for years.
In the village of Canal, on the Nile river, Grarup met a young boy wearing an AC Milan jersey that - torn due to wear and tear - had evidently been repaired and stitched together on many occasions. Being an AC Milan fan himself and in admiration of the dedication and passion reflected in a shirt that he dubbed a “work of art”, Grarup asked the boy if he could swap his AC Milan jersey for a new one.
After returning to Europe, Grarup decided to donate the jersey to AC Milan, who immediately accepted the donation as a symbol of the belonging, dedication and passion that unites all Rossoneri fans around the world, regardless of their age or social status. This passion goes beyond the game overcoming any boundary as the Rossoneri seek to build bridges and promote the healthy values of sport that make up the very DNA of the Club.
The special jersey is now on display in the Mondo Milan museum at Casa Milan - the Rossoneri’s HQ in Milan - in a new exhibition dedicated to the educational and social projects implemented by Fondazione Milan.
This story inspired AC Milan to enter the world of NFTs, with a 3D digital product of the jersey created using a modern and sustainable technology. This special NFT will be sold as a limited-edition item, and proceeds will go to Fondazione Milan to support its charitable initiatives both in Italy and throughout the world, including its ongoing project to help the victims of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.