AC Milan Players Take On Maternal Surnames On Special Mothers’ Day Kits
Wonder why you’ve never heard of Harlow, Lekatompessy, or Py? That’s because they’re the surnames of AC Milan players’ mothers. This weekend, AC Milan will celebrate Mothers’ Day with a heartfelt twist: players will wear jerseys featuring their maternal surnames on their backs.
Mother’s Surnames on AC Kits
On Saturday, May 11, AC Milan will host Bologna at the San Siro — but with one visible difference: the names on the back of the home shirts will feature the players’ maternal surnames. The kits themselves will remain the club’s iconic red-and-black design, but the names alone will carry extra weight. This isn’t the first time Milan has embraced this tribute — they launched it in 2023 — but this year’s edition has expanded to include Milan’s youth teams, the women’s team, and even the visitors from Bologna, who will also wear their mothers’ surnames in solidarity. Among the Milan players, Christian Pulisic will wear Harlow, his mother’s surname, while Theo Hernández will appear as Py, and Rafael Leão will wear Conceição. Tijjani Reijnders, meanwhile, will be introduced as Lekatompessy, a nod to his Moluccan heritage.
The stadium announcer will read both paternal and maternal surnames during lineups, creating an atmosphere filled with gratitude and emotion. The campaign, promoted under the message #MyFirstSupporter, highlights the influence of mothers — the ones who believed first, supported always, and shaped every step toward the top.
Mother’s Day meets Football
AC Milan’s decision to honor mothers on the pitch with personalized kits aligns seamlessly with the club’s broader commitment to supporting women in football. Earlier this year, Milan became the first European club to implement a maternity policy guaranteeing contract renewals and childcare support for female players and staff, further solidifying its role as a leader in inclusivity and player welfare. This initiative adds to a growing list of tributes from the football world. Clubs around the globe have used Mother’s Day to spotlight the women behind the players — from heartfelt social media campaigns to players wearing “Mom” armbands or dedicating goals.
In Brazil, teams like Corinthians and Santos have played with floral-patterned crests and the word “Mãe” across their chests. In the Premier League, clubs like West Ham and Everton have invited players’ mothers for on-pitch presentations, gifting them flowers before kickoff. Even managers have joined in — José Mourinho once dedicated a win to his late mother on Mother’s Day while coaching in England. Players such as Marcus Rashford and Ángel Di María have publicly credited their mothers for their careers, often citing early sacrifices and emotional support. These moments might seem small, but they reflect something deeper: the emotional roots of football, and the women who so often nurture them long before the spotlight shines. Football may be global, but Mother’s Day reveals just how personal it can be.
Interested in women’s football and style? Then check out this story about AC Milan’s first women’s lifestyle collection.
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