One of the most enjoyable trends of recent years has been the revival of the classic crest. As clubs and brands have sought to tap into the nostalgia loving cortexes of our brains, retro badges have proved to be one of the most reliable tools. Few teams though, if any, have brought back an old look as well as AC Milan have for their 25/26 away kit.
The Diavoletto, last seen at the start of the 80s, roars back for the new season. From an aesthetic point of view the Diavoletto (or “small devil”) is a triumph with the way the elements combine to form a shield-like shape, but the execution of the crest from a technical perspective truly sets the new shirt ahead of its rivals.
Finished in a raised, textured plastic, the retro crest sits wonderfully alongside the Puma logo (also in a textured look). This blending of new techniques with a classic design is masterful from Puma and Milan, and what's more the Puma logos on the shoulders are also set in plastic. It’s rare to see secondary brand marks with the same, full treatment of the front of the shirt, but it’s a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ inclusion which deserves praise.
Speaking more on the decision to bring back to Diavoletto Maikel Oettle, Chief Commercial Officer of AC Milan, commented:
“The Diavoletto is more than a symbol – it is a part of AC Milan’s DNA. Bringing it back is a powerful tribute to our legacy, while speaking to a new generation of Rossoneri fans around the world. This kit, beautifully designed by PUMA, captures the essence of what it means to represent this Club - passion, style, and a fearless spirit that sets us apart.”
Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel, spoke more on the desire to do more than just make another white AC Milan shirt:
“This season we really delved into the history and the iconic emblems and symbols of AC Milan, one of the most famous and stylish Clubs in the world. White Away kits are synonymous with AC Milan so this year we wanted mix things up and really tap into the devilish theme and the iconic Diavoletto emblem which really brought new life to the kit. The pairing of the white base with the black and red detailing really helped elevate the jersey and create a unique style that brings some fire to the pitch with a devilish aesthetic.”
The 2025/26 AC Milan away shirt is available today in all AC Milan Official Stores, on store.acmilan.com, at PUMA stores, on PUMA.com and at select retailers worldwide. It’ll make its on-pitch debut later this month on 23rd July, when Milan face Arsenal as part of a pre-season tour.
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