For AC Milan, the number 63 primarily refers to the historic year 1963—when the club won its first European Cup, becoming the first Italian team to claim the prestigious trophy. A secondary, lesser-known link is to former player Patrick Cutrone’s squad number, chosen for personal reasons. This article breaks down both meanings clearly, with key details every Milan fan should know.
1963: AC Milan’s Game-Changing European Cup Win
The year 1963 is the most significant meaning of “63” for AC Milan, as it marked the club’s first European Cup triumph—a milestone that elevated Milan from a domestic powerhouse to a European giant. This victory not only made Milan history but also paved the way for Italian football’s success on the continental stage.
Managed by Nereo Rocco, Milan had a dominant run in the 1962–63 European Cup campaign. They cruised through the early rounds, with a 14–0 aggregate win over Union Luxembourg, a 3–1 win over Ipswich Town, an 8–1 rout of Galatasaray, and a 5–2 victory over Dundee to reach the final at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Key Details of the 1963 European Cup Final
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 22 May 1963 |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London |
| Opponent | Benfica (two-time defending champions) |
| Score | AC Milan 2–1 Benfica |
| Match Heroes | José Altafini (scored both Milan goals), Gianni Rivera (assisted both goals), Cesare Maldini (captain, lifted the trophy) |
| Attendance | 45,715 fans |
Altafini’s performance in the 1962–63 campaign was legendary—he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 14 goals, a record that stood for 40 years until Ruud van Nistelrooy broke it in 2003. Rocco’s tactical system, known as catenaccio (a defensive-focused style with quick counter-attacks), was also pivotal to the win and became a defining feature of Italian football for decades.
Legacy of the 1963 Victory
The 1963 European Cup win was just the start of Milan’s European dominance. The club has since won the trophy six more times (1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007), totaling seven Champions League titles—tied with Liverpool for the second-most all-time. This victory also proved Italian clubs could compete with Europe’s best, opening the door for Juventus, Inter Milan, and other Italian teams to win continental honors.
The 1963 final jersey—red and black stripes with a white collar—has become an iconic piece of Milan memorabilia, still reissued by the club for fans to celebrate this historic moment.
Patrick Cutrone and the Number 63 Jersey
Beyond the historic year 1963, the number 63 has a secondary meaning for AC Milan: it was the squad number worn by former forward Patrick Cutrone during his time at the club (2017–2019). This choice had no connection to the 1963 European Cup win, but rather a personal one.
Cutrone revealed he selected the number 63 because it is the year his father was born. He first wore the number in October 2016, when he was named to Milan’s senior bench for the first time. In a fitting coincidence, Cutrone made 63 senior appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring 13 goals before leaving for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2019. Unlike the 1963 European Cup, this link to the number 63 is a personal story rather than a club-defining moment.
Common Myths About 63 and AC Milan
Some fans may wonder if 63 refers to Milan’s total number of trophies, but this is not the case. As of 2026, AC Milan has won approximately 40–50 official trophies (depending on classification), far fewer than 63. Additionally, no other notable Milan player has worn the number 63 with significant relevance—Cutrone remains the only player associated with the number in the club’s recent history.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, “63” for AC Milan is first and foremost the year 1963, when the club made history as the first Italian team to win the European Cup. This moment defined Milan’s legacy as a European powerhouse and remains one of the most important dates in the club’s history. The secondary link to Patrick Cutrone’s jersey number adds a personal touch but pales in comparison to the historical significance of the 1963 triumph. For any Milan fan, 63 is more than a number—it’s a symbol of the club’s first step toward European greatness.