In a year where Milan’s title dreams collapsed under the weight of injuries, instability, and unfulfilled potential, one name consistently rose above the gloom: Christian Pulisic. As the 2024-25 season winds down, the American winger—once a risky summer signing—has become the team’s undisputed standout performer.
Amid a campaign marked by managerial changes, tactical confusion, and falling short in both Serie A and Europe, Pulisic emerged as a symbol of resilience and brilliance. And now, as the curtain falls on the season, he’s revealed something fans never saw coming: the real, and rather quirky, reason he chose the No. 11 jersey at San Siro. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Milan entered the campaign expecting to build on their second-place finish the year before. Instead, they stumbled through inconsistency, first under Paulo Fonseca and then under the tactically demanding Sergio Conceicao, who replaced his Portuguese compatriot mid-season. Injuries are piling up, the system keeps changing, and key players are underperforming. Yet through it all, Pulisic has remained a beacon of quality.
From day one, he looked sharp, direct, and fearless. His 15 goals and 11 assists in all competitions stand as proof of his contribution, but the numbers tell only part of the story. Whether deployed on either wing or asked to float as a false nine, the American has adapted and delivered. While others faded, he has kept driving forward, kept pushing, kept believing.
From decisive goals in the Derby della Madonnina to match-winning assists against Juventus and Real Madrid, Pulisic consistently pulled the Rossoneri out of the mud, offering fans hope amid the turmoil.
Number with an unexpected twist
Now, with the season nearing its end, Pulisic finally opened up about something fans have long speculated over: why he chose the iconic No. 11 shirt—a jersey worn by Milan legends like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hernan Crespo, Alberto Gilardino, and even Carlo Ancelotti.
One might expect the reason to be rooted in history, homage, or superstardom. Instead, it was something far more personal—and surprising. “I was 22 in Dortmund and I was 10 with the national team,” he explained in an interview in collaboration with Bitpanda, shared on Milan’s official social channels. “It was half of 22, close to 10, and it was available.”
That’s right. The number 11 was simply a numerical bridge between two eras of his career—one in Germany and one with the United States. No grand symbolism. Just a bit of math and availability.
Still, wearing it at San Siro is no small thing. It’s a shirt loaded with legacy, and Pulisic has lived up to it. He’s taken that weight and made it his own, carving out his place in the club’s modern identity.
From pressure to pride
Interestingly, the 26-year-old is no stranger to pressure. At Chelsea, he first wore No. 22, then took the fabled No. 10 shirt once donned by Eden Hazard. For the U.S. Men’s National Team, he’s long worn No. 10, shouldering the expectations of a nation.
At Milan, however, No. 10 is Rafael Leao’s domain, secured after the Portuguese star signed a bumper new deal. That left Pulisic with a choice—and he took No. 11 without fuss. In hindsight, the choice now feels fated. In a turbulent season, he gave the number new meaning.