Explained: Why Christian Pulisic and AC Milan are wearing their mother's surnames on kits vs Cagliari

On the eve of Mother's Day on May 12, the Rossoneri sported kits with the surnames of players' mothers in the game against Cagliari in an attempt to shed light on the initiative. AC Milan, along with five other Serie A clubs, are all taking part in it across the weekend.

The initiative's aim is to bring awareness to personal identity rights, and it comes as a result of the Constitutional Court's ruling from April 27, 2022. The Italian court of law ruled that automatic attribution of the paternal surname was discriminatory. Since June 1 of that year, both parents of the child must now have the right to choose the surname, deeming it a fundamental part of establishing their personal identity.

“Playing with our mothers' names on our jerseys is a special way to honor the incredible women who have shaped and supported us throughout our lives," Pulisic said. "It's a meaningful gesture that highlights the importance of family and the strong bonds that drive us both on and off the pitch. I'm proud to represent my mom in this unique and heartfelt way alongside my teammates at AC Milan.”

The Rossoneri will wrap up Saturday's match against Cagliari before finishing the season against Torino and Salernitana to round out the month of May. Pulisic, meanwhile, will look to continue his hot form of late before heading to the 2024 Copa America with the USMNT.