AC Milan marks 40 years since Berlusconi presidency after 2026 World Cup draw

On 24 March 2026, AC Milan commemorated the 40th anniversary of Silvio Berlusconi's election as Club President. Since his landmark appointment in 1986, ten FIFA World Cup editions have been completed, with the current tournament now in progress.

AC Milan have claimed four Scudetto titles in seasons immediately following a World Cup. The Rossoneri won the league after the 1954, 1958, 1998 and 2010 tournaments. The first season of Berlusconi's presidency followed the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. AC Milan finished fifth in Serie A in 1986/87, securing UEFA Cup qualification via a 1-0 play-off win over Sampdoria in Turin.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy arrived shortly after AC Milan's European Cup triumph over Benfica in Vienna. In the 1990/91 season, Arrigo Sacchi's team finished Serie A runners-up.

The 1994 World Cup campaign led to silverware despite European disappointment. AC Milan won the Supercoppa Italiana and UEFA Super Cup before losing to Ajax in the Champions League final in Vienna in May 1995.

After a disappointing domestic season following the 1998 France World Cup, Alberto Zaccheroni guided AC Milan to its 16th Scudetto the following year.

The 2002 World Cup period culminated in a historic double. AC Milan won both the UEFA Champions League and Coppa Italia in 2002/03.

European success continued after the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The Rossoneri reclaimed the Champions League crown in 2006/07.

The campaign after the 2010 South Africa World Cup ended with another Serie A title triumph.

Post-World Cup years since 2014 have produced mixed results for AC Milan.