AC Milan has assembled some of the greatest teams the game has seen, studded with Ballon d’Or winners and one-club legends. These are the ten finest to wear the red and black.

1. 1

   Paolo Maldini

   AC Milan · Italy

   A one-club great across 25 years, the most complete defender of the modern era.

2. 2

   Franco Baresi

   AC Milan · Italy

   The peerless sweeper and one-club captain at the heart of the Grande Milan.

3. 3

   Marco van Basten

   AC Milan · Netherlands

   Three Ballons d’Or and the most beautiful centre-forward play of his time.

4. 4

   Gunnar Nordahl

   AC Milan · Sweden

   A phenomenal Swedish marksman and one of the club’s greatest goalscorers.

5. 5

   Ruud Gullit

   AC Milan · Netherlands

   A powerful, all-action star and the 1987 Ballon d’Or winner.

6. 6

   Kaká

   AC Milan · Brazil

   The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner, a devastating attacking midfielder in full flow.

7. 7

   Andriy Shevchenko

   AC Milan · Ukraine

   A clinical, complete striker and the 2004 Ballon d’Or winner.

8. 8

   Gianni Rivera

   AC Milan · Italy

   The Golden Boy of Italian football and a 1969 Ballon d’Or winner.

9. 9

   Andrea Pirlo

   AC Milan · Italy

   The deep-lying playmaker perfected, dictating games from in front of the defence.

10. 10

    Alessandro Nesta

    AC Milan · Italy

    A defender of supreme elegance and timing, half of a legendary back line.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.