Luka Modric & Christian Pulisic take centre stage as AC Milan land €100m with 'historic' five-year contract extension announcement

Milan have officially confirmed the renewal of their partnership with Emirates Airlines, continuing one of the most iconic collaborations in football. The new five-year contract, valued at around €100 million, ensures the airline remains both the Rossoneri’s Official Airline Partner and Principal Partner. Emirates first partnered with Milan in 2007, becoming the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor in 2010.

In a promotional video released by the club, Croatian superstar Modric and US international Pulisic took centre stage alongside Rafael Leao and Adrien Rabiot, symbolising Milan’s blend of experience and star power. The video, featuring the players in match action and also training ground moments, highlights the shared values of ambition and global reach between Milan and Emirates. The deal will see the partnership reach its 20-year anniversary in 2027, a milestone that underscores the strength of this alliance.

Milan’s Chief Commercial Officer, Maikel Oettle, described the extension as a defining moment for the club’s commercial future. “The renewal of our relationship with Emirates is testament to one of the most historic and admired partnerships in the world of football, a shared journey that looks to the future with ambition and vision,” Oettle said.

He further added: “Emirates will continue to accompany us, helping to strengthen the solid foundations of our Club and, together, to connect new generations of fans around the world and create unique experiences that go far beyond the pitch.”

Modric, one of the stars featured in the new promotional video, has quietly impressed since joining Milan, contributing leadership and composure in midfield. Remarkably, despite operating in a defensive role, he has yet to commit a single foul in his first six Serie A matches, a testament to his precision and control.

Meanwhile, Pulisic has been Milan’s standout attacker this season, leading the Serie A scoring charts with six goals and two assists across eight appearances. However, the American forward may miss the upcoming fixture against Fiorentina due to a hamstring injury sustained in the USMNT’s friendly against Australia. Pulisic had just returned from an ankle issue but was forced off after 30 minutes.

Since 2007, the collaboration between Milan and Emirates has evolved into a benchmark for global sports partnerships. The airline’s logo has been synonymous with Milan’s resurgence in European football, helping enhance the club’s international identity. The agreement also aligns with the club’s expanding footprint in the Middle East, particularly after the opening of Casa Milan Dubai in 2023, a move designed to strengthen Milan’s global presence and deepen ties with Emirates’ core market.

The partnership’s renewal also coincides with 25 years of flights between Milan and Dubai, a symbolic milestone highlighting how both brands have connected cultures and communities worldwide. From iconic campaigns to memorable trophies, Emirates and Milan’s collaboration has stood as a model of how sport and travel can unite fans globally.