Home » ML: Milan without a South American player for first time since 1996/97 season
Mateo Musacchio of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza, Milan. Picture date: 23rd January 2021. Picture credit should read: Jonathan Moscrop/Sportimage PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK SPI-0857-0043

ML: Milan without a South American player for first time since 1996/97 season

The departure of Argentine Mateo Musacchio and Brazilian Leo Duarte, in the January transfer window, has revealed an astonishing detail in Milan’s last 24 years. A detail that certainly stands out. 

The next six months, until the end of the season, will be the first time since the 1996/97 season that Milan haven’t had a South American player in their ranks (via MilanLive). The Rossoneri have had star-studded ballers from South America over the years, including the likes of Dida, Cafu, Kaka, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Hernan Crespo, Thiago Silva etc.


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The club has always welcomed overseas talents, mainly players from South America and African origins. Argentinians, Colombians and Uruguayans haven’t represented the Rossoneri as much as players from Brazil have. 

After the 1996/97 season, Brazilians Leonardo and Andre Cruz joined Milan in 1997, starting a trend that lasted for 24 years. So far in Milan’s history, ten Brazilians, one Uruguayan and one Colombian have registered more than 100 appearances. 

READ MORE: Serie A preview: AC Milan vs. Crotone – Team news, opposition insight, stats and more

Tags AC Milan Leo Duarte Mateo Musacchio
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