Champions League Where Are They Now?: AC Milan 2006-07

 AC Milan's 2006-07 Champions League Winning Squad: Where Are They Now?

23rd May 2007: Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece

AC Milan 2-1 Liverpool 

Four years after the glorious night in Manchester, Milan returned to the top of Europe and won their seventh Champions League title, avenging the defeat in Istanbul against the runners -up, Liverpool. This meant that AC Milan are now with the second most Champions League wins (7), only behind Real Madrid (9 as of 2007)

1) Formation (#1)

Dida was often considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the 2000s decade, best known for his incredible saves and reflexes. He appeared as the starting goalkeeper for Milan in Athens and played the full 90 minutes. He was also part of Milan's winning squad in 2003, making this his second Champions League win. After enjoying Super Cup and Club World Cup wins in 2007, Dida left the club in 2010. After 2 years as a free agent, Dida returned to football and Brazil to play for Portuguesa, before joining Gremio in Porto Alegre. After finishing as a runner-up in the 2013 Brazilian Serie A, he joined Internacional and won 2 Campeonato Gaucho titles in 2014 and 2015. He announced retirement in 2015. Dida was also a prominent figure for the Brazilian team, winning the World Cup in 2002, the Copa America in 1999 and the Confederations Cup in 1997 and 2005. He left the national team in 2006. 

2) Cafu (#2)

Cafu can often be regarded as one of the best full backs in football history, but he was used as a substitute for Milan in the final. After signing a new contract extension with Milan until 2008, he won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in his final season. He then announced that he would retire upon the end of the 2007-08 season. For Brazil, Cafu is the highest appearance maker for the national team with 142 appearances. He also holds very proud records with Brazil, winning 2 World Cups in 1994 and 2002, being by far the only player to make an appearance in three World Cup finals.

3) Paolo Maldini (#3)

 Thanks to his team's success in Athens, they declared Maldini as the oldest winning captain of the Champions League. He then spent two more seasons with the Italian side, winning the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in his penultimate season with the club. He then retired from the club in 2009, making him one of very few players to be dubbed as a "one man club". Maldini has also proven to play a very capable player for Italy. He has played for them from 1988 to 2002, being the third highest appearance maker for the Italians with 126 appearances for the Azzuri, while appearing for them in the 1994 World Cup final, losing on penalties to Brazil. In 2018, Maldini returned to Milan to work as their technical director. 3 years into his job, Maldini helped Milan win first Serie A since 2011, before he was sacked in June 2023. 

4) Kakha Kaladze (#4)

Kaladze helped Milan win their second Champions League within the space of five years, but was on the bench at the start of the match before coming on in the 80th minute. He then stayed another three years with Milan, winning the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in the 2007-08 season. He then left Milan in 2010 and joined Genoa in southern Italy. In his first season with Genoa, he made 26 appearances while scoring once. After a quiet season the following season, he then retired from football in May 2012. Playing for Georgia, Kaladze was a important player, however, he only scored one goal throughout his entire international career, coming in a 3-1 loss in a friendly against Latvia. He was made captain of the team until his retirement from the team in December 2011. In 2017, he was elected as the Mayor of Tbilisi, where he currently works.

5) Gennaro Gattuso (#8)

Gattuso played an instrumental part in Milan's road to success in 2007, just like he did back in 2003. After five more seasons with the Rossoneri, and conquering Italy while doing so, Gattuso left Milan and joined Swiss side, Sion as a player-manager. In 2013, Gattuso retired from football and became the full-time manager for Sion. Italy capped Gattuso 73 times, making appearances in World Cups and European Championships. His most notable appearances for the national team came in 2006, when he helped Italy win the World Cup. After appearing in four more major tournaments, Gattuso retired from international football in 2010, after  a disappointing World Cup in South Africa. Following his stint in Switzerland as player-manager, Gattuso made a comeback to Italy and assumed the managerial position at relegated Palermo. However, he was dismissed due to underwhelming performances in 2014. He then joined OFI Crete in Greece, before returning to Italy to manage Milan's youth academy and then their first team in 2017. Napoli then signed him in 2019, helping them win the 2020 Coppa Italia. He then left at the end of the 2020-21 season after failing to grab a Champions League spot. In 2022, Gattuso joined Valencia and became the third Italian manager for the Spanish side, but left by mutual consent in January 2023. He was then signed by Marseille in September 2023, and he still currently manages the French side. 

6) Filippo Inzaghi (#9)

Inzaghi was the hero for Milan in Athens, scoring both goals to secure Milan's seventh Champions League title. He also stands as the sixth highest goalscorer in the history of the Champions League. Inzaghi then stayed with Milan for another five years, winning Serie A in 2011 and the Super Cup and the Club World Cup in 2007. Inzaghi retired from football after the 2011-12 season. Inzaghi has made appearances for Italy 57 times while scoring 25 goals. He was also part of Italy's formidable World Cup squad in 2006. He then left the national team one year later. Inzaghi returned to Milan shortly after his retirement to manage their youth sectors before being promoted to first team manager in 2014. Since 2015, Inzaghi has managed Venezia, Bologna, Benevento, Brescia, Reggina and recently Salernitana. He was most recently the manager for the latter club but was sacked a few days ago (11th February)

7) Clarence Seedorf (#10)

Seedorf holds a very proud record in the Champions League, being the only player by far in the Champions League to win the Champions League with 3 different teams (previously with Ajax and Real Madrid). Seedorf started for Milan in the final in Athens, and played until the 92nd minute. He then stayed another five years with Milan, winning Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2011 as well as the Super Cup and Club World Cup in the 2007-08 season. In 2012, Seedorf left for Brazil to play for Botafogo. He then announced his retirement in January 2014. At international level, Seedorf has represented Netherlands 87 times, while appearing for them in 3 UEFA EUROs and 1 World Cup, scoring 11 times. Seedorf was announced Milan head coach two days after his retirement but resigned from the job at the end of the 2013-14 season. He was then appointed by Chinese club, Shenzhen FC but was replaced five months later. He then was appointed as manager for Atletico Paranaense in Brazil but the deal was cancelled a month into his contract. He was then appointed by Deportivo la Coruna, but was sacked at the end of the 2017-18 season, due to the club's relegation. In August 2018, the Cameroonian Football Federation agreed a deal for Seedorf to become the manager, but after a poor AFCON tournament in 2019, he was sacked. 

8) Alberto Gilardino (#11)

Gilardino started the match on the bench for Milan but then came on in the 88th minute as a substitute for Inzaghi. He then spent another year with Milan winning the Super Cup and Club World Cup. He left in 2008, as one of Serie A's top 10 goalscorers. He then made a move to Fiorentina who scored 48 domestic goals in 118 appearances, keeping his name in the top 10 goalscorers in Serie A. Midway through the 2011-12 season, Gilardino was signed by Genoa, but he was then loaned out to Bologna ahead of the 2012-13 season, and immediately redeemed himself by scoring 13 times for the Il Rossoblu. He returned to Genoa in the summer of 2013 and finished the Serie A season with an impressive 15 goals. In July 2014, it was announced that Gilardino would join Chinese side, Guanngzhou Evergande, and helped the side win the 2014 Chinese Super League thanks to his 5 goals. In January 2015, Gilardino returned to Fiorentina on loan, but the deal was not made permanent and he returned to China at the end of the 2014-15 season. He then returned to Italy permanently and joined Palmero, in a season which moved him up to 9th in the goalscoring records for Serie A. After spells with Empoli, Pescara and Spezia, Gilardino retired in September 2018. As part of the Italian national team, Gilardino was part of Italy's sensational 2006 World Cup winning squad, scoring a goal in Italy's second group stage match which resulted in a 1-1 draw against the United States. He also helped Italy win third place at the 2013 Confederations Cup before he left the national team soon after. After managerial jobs with Siena and Pro Vercelli, Gilardino returned to Genoa to manage their first team. He stiil currently manages their first team.

9) Alessandro Nesta (#13)

Nesta can often be regarded as one of the greatest defenders for AC Milan in the 2000s decade. He had also enjoyed great success with Milan throughout his previous years at the club. However, Nesta left Milan 5 years later, winning the Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2007 and Serie A in the 2010-11 season. Nesta then moved to Canada to play for MLS side, Montreal Impact in 2012 but left the club in 2014 and joined Indian Premier League side Chennaiyan before retiring after three appearances for the club. As well as Milan, Nesta enjoyed great success with his national team, being one of the standout defenders in 2006 World Cup win. He also made the 2000 EURO final with the national team. He currently manages Serie B side, Reggiana. 

10) Zeljko Kalac (#16)

Kalac was an unused substitute in the final for Milan due to the presense of Dida but became the first Australian goalkeeper to win the Champions League. After two years on the AC Milan sidelines, Kalac travelled to Greece to play for Greek side, Kavala. He only made 9 appearances before announcing his retirement at the end of the 2009-10 season. Kalac has represented Australia at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and appeared in their last group stage game against Croatia which resulted in a 2-2 draw. Kalac works in Austalia currently and manages Sydney United 58 in the Australian National Premier League. 

11) Marek Jankulovski (#18)

Jankulovski started the final for the Italian side but only played until the 80th minute. Jankulovski then spent another 4 years with the Rossoneri, conquering Italy and the world within the remainder of his stay. He then returned to Czech Republic after winning the Serie A and rejoined boyhood club, Banik Ostrava. After making only one appearance for the Czech team, Jankulovski retired from football in 2012. Jankulovski appeared for Czech Republic in 3 Europan Championships, finishing in the semi finals in 2004, as well as appearing in the 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2006 World Cup/

12) Giuseppe Favalli (#19)

Favalli started the final on the bench for Milan but came off the bench in extra time in the second half. After another three years with Milan, winning the Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2007, Favalli retired from football. Favalli has appeared for Italy 8 times while making their squad in EURO 2004 and the U23 side in the Summer Olympics in 1992.

13) Andrea Pirlo (#21)

Pirlo is often considered as one of the greatest Italian midfielders of his generation, best known for his skills and free kick ability. He added another Champions League title to his collection in Athens and played the full game. He spent another four years with the Rossoneri. He conquered the world winning the Club World Cup and Italy winning Serie A in 2011. He then joined arch rivals Juventus. He spent four years in Turin, winning lots of domestic trophies while reaching the 2015 Champions League final. He then left for the MLS to play for New York City FC before announcing retirement in 2017. Pirlo was part of Italy's iconic 2006 World Cup winning squad and made the final of the 2012 European Championship. He's often considered as the greatest Italian midfielder to ever grace the Italian team, making 116 appearances for them. Pirlo was hired by Juventus and was their manager for the 2020-21 season. He lead the side to Coppa Italia victory before getting sacked at the end of the season. After some time in Turkey, he returned to Italy to manage Sampadoria, which is where he currently manages. 

14) Kaka (#22)

Kaka was regarded as one of the greatest playmakers of the game and one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player to ever wear an AC Milan jersey. He started the final in Athens and played the full match. After another 2 years with the Rossoneri, conquering the world and even winning the 2007 Ballon D'or, Kaka accepted a new challenge with Real Madrid in Spain. However, his time in Madrid was nothing as good as his tenure with Milan, due to four injury riden seasons. In 2013, Kaka returned to Milan for a year before joining MLS side, Orlando City. He however, spent the 2014 season on loan at Sao Paolo in Brazil. In 2017, Kaka retired from football with Orlando City. Kaka has also had a decorative career with Brazil, winning the 2002 World Cup while winning 2 Confederations Cups in 2005 and 2009.

15) Massimo Ambrosini (#23)

Ambrosini made an apperance in the final for the Rossoneri and played the full 90 minutes while securing Milan's seventh Champions League title. After conquering Europe, he conquered the world and Italy. After his departure from the club in 2013, Ambrosini joined Fiorentina for one season cing his retirement at the end of the season. Ambrosini was part of Italy's 2000 EURO squad, finishing as runners-up to France. 

16) Serginho (#27)

Serginho was an unused substitute for Milan but his career wouldn't last longer afterwards. In the 2007-08 season, after winning the Super Cup and Club World Cup, Serginho retired from football alongisde Brazilian teammate, Cafu. He had appeared with Brazil from 1998 to 2001, while winning the Copa America in 1999 and finishing runners up in the 1999 Confederations Cup. 

17) Christian Brocchi (#32)

Brocchi was an unused substitute for Milan in this final. After another year the Rossoneri, winning the Super Cup and Club World Cup, Brocchi left Milan and joined Lazio for five years. His first year in bright blue colours was successful due to Lazio's win the the 2008-09 Coppa Italia and their 2009 Supercoppa Italiana win. In his final season, he won another Coppa Italia before retiring in 2013 due to injury problems. His only appearance for the Italian team came in 1-1 friendly draw against Turkey in November 2006. Brocchi has managerial experience with Milan's youth prospect alongside teams in Serie C. His most recent managerial job came in 2022 when he managed Vicenza, before his unfortunate sacking in April 2022.

18) Massimo Oddo (#44)

Oddo was a surprise starter for Milan in the final in Athens and played the full 90 minutes. He then spent another 5 seasons with Milan while spending two of those seasons on loan in Germany (Bayern Munich 2008-09) and with Lecce (2011-12). He won Serie A in 2011 while conquering the world with the Rossoneri in 2007. He then retired from football at the end of his loan season at Lecce. Oddo has been capped 34 times by Italy and was even part of their iconic 2006 World Cup winning squad. Oddo's only goal for the Azzurri came in a EURO 2008 qualifying match against Ukraine in Rome. Oddo has also managed teams in Italy such as Udinese and Perugia. His most recent job was at SPAL back in the 2022-23 season. He left at the end of that season as SPAL were relegated to Serie C.

19) Carlo Ancelotti (Manager)

Ancelotti is often regarded as not only the greatest manager in Italian football, but one of the greatest managers in the world; mainly because of his tactics and gameplay strategies. This win in Athens claimed Ancelotti's second Champions League title as a manager. After spending another two seasons with the Rossoneri, Ancelotti accepted a new challenge and became the manager of London club, Chelsea. His first competitve match for the Blues came in the 2009 Community Shield match, which resulted in a win on penalties. He also managed to grab a domestic double with Chelsea and won the Premier League and FA Cup, making it the first domestic double in Chelsea's history. After a trophyless season in 2011, Ancelotti moved to France to manage Paris Saint Germain. In his final season with the club in 2013, Ancelotti managed to win PSG their first Ligue 1 title since 1994. Ancelotti then moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 and managed to guide them to Copa Del Ray and Champions League glory in the 2013-14 season. Ancelotti guided Madrid to their 10th Champions League title while winning his third title. After Super Cup and Club World Cup glory in the 2014-15 season, Ancelotti took a break from managing before returning as Bayern Munich head coach. With the Bavarian giants, Ancelotti won the DFL Supercup twice while winning the Bundesliga in the 2016-17 season. After a poor start to the 2017-18 season, Ancelotti was sacked for the first time in his career. In 2018, Ancelotti returned to Italy after almost 10 years to manage Napoli. After another poor start into his second season at the club, Ancelotti was sacked by the Napoli board. In 2019, Ancelotti was hired by Everton but left the club at the end of the 2020-21 season. He then returned to Real Madrid ahead of the 2021-22 season, and won La Liga and the Champions League in his first season. This La Liga win meant that Ancelotti was the first manager to win all the big five leagues in Europe, while he also became the manager with the most Champions League wins with four. He stiil works in Real Madrid to this day. 

Up Next: Manchester United's 2007-08 Winning Squad: Where Are They Now?