The future is looking bright for AC Milan.

Following three years outside of Serie A’s top six, three years of bitter disappointment, three years without the midweek entertainment of European competition, the club appear to be back on the up, thanks in large part due to the emergence of an exciting crop of young players.

In the past, Milan relied on experienced professionals. Icons would prolong their careers with the club, playing well into their 30s, while academy graduates were ignored and sold. This attitude has changed, with several teenagers breaking into the first team under Sinisa Mihajlovic and his successor, Vincenzo Montella.

Montella himself struggles to contain his enthusiasm about the new era.

“This team is only at the beginning, so there is a big margin for improvement,” he told Milan TV (h/t Football Italia). “If you have this many young players, the side is destined to get stronger over time.”

Given the youth of Milan’s prospects, it is possible that they might not reach their prime for the best part of a decade. By that point, if not before, they should be ready return the club back to the top of Italian football.

Here, Bleacher Report takes a look at what the Milan lineup could look like in 10 years’ time.

The Substitutes' Bench

Before we get into the lineup, there were several talented prospects who didn't quite make the cut. While they undoubtedly have big futures ahead of them, they could only make Milan’s hypothetical substitutes' bench in 2026. Please note, ages below reflect the players’ ages in a decade.

Alessandro Plizzari (Goalkeeper, 26 years old)

Ivan De Santis (Centre-back, 29 years old)

Raoul Bellanova (Full-back, 26 years old)

Jose Mauri (Central midfielder, 30 years old)

Vladislav Zhikov (Winger, 27 years old)

Giovanni Crociata (Winger, 29 years old)

Vittorio Vigolo (Striker, 26 years old)

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Age in 2026: 27

Gianluigi Donnarumma is unquestionably the crown jewel of Milan’s bright new generation. The 17-year-old goalkeeper is already a solid shot-stopper with excellent reflexes, a strong command of his penalty area and a willingness to organise his back line.

Perhaps what is most impressive is the maturity he exhibits for his age. Rarely does he come across as shaky or nervous; he is always prepared to receive the ball and pass out from the back. His technique and distribution could do with some polish, but, with a coach like Montella, his possession game should improve over time.

He's already in Italy's senior squad and, assuming he stays with Milan, Donnarumma—taking the typically long careers of most goalkeepers into account—could theoretically still be No. 1 for club and country in 20 years' time.

Right-Back: Davide Calabria

Age in 2026: 29

In both full-back positions, Milan are well stocked. In this particular area of the squad they possess three experienced Italy internationals in 29-year-olds Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonelli, and the 24-year-old Mattia De Sciglio, as well as Leonel Vangioni, a left-back with four caps for Argentina signed in the summer from River Plate.

It is a testament to Davide Calabria’s quality that he has been able to force his way into the fringes of the first team in such a competitive environment; at present he is breathing down Abate’s neck for the role of first-choice right-back following some impressive displays standing in for his older team-mate.

Fast, aggressive and direct, the 19-year-old’s forward forays offer a viable outlet down the right flank, while his athleticism and energy enable him to get back quickly in defensive transitions.

Centre-Back: Matteo Gabbia

Age in 2026: 27

Matteo Gabbia, who turned 17 on October 21, is a talented and versatile young player. Capable of operating at centre-back, he has more recently played in midfield. Indeed, it is from this more advanced position that he scored for Italy’s under-18s in their recent 2-1 defeat to England.

Comfortable on the ball and with intelligent positioning, he may prove to be Alessio Romagnoli’s long-term partner at the back for Milan.

Centre-Back: Alessio Romagnoli

Age in 2026: 31

At just 21 years of age, Romagnoli has established himself as one of the first names on Milan’s teamsheet. With good reading of the game and decent aerial ability combined with intelligent passing and smooth technique, the young centre-back is key to the team’s defensive line and buildup play.

His elegance on and off the ball has seen comparisons with former Milan player Alessandro Nesta, who just so happens to be Romagnoli’s idol, per La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia). And, having grown into an important role at club level, he made his international debut for Italy earlier this month.

This season is the youngster’s third of regular Serie A action, but there is reason to believe he can improve further as part of a team with a considered passing style suited to his attributes.

Left-Back: Mattia De Sciglio

Age in 2026: 34

Mattia De Sciglio made his Milan debut in 2011-12 at the age of 18. Consequently, this season is his sixth of first-team football with the club. However, considering he’s still only 24, it is feasible that he could continue to play a key role in a decade’s time.

By that point he would be the club’s elder statesman, and could potentially be captain material. When asked about this possibility recently, he said: “Anyone would love it. The captain’s armband is very important and has been worn by many great champions. I’d love to wear it.”

This season De Sciglio has shown signs of getting back to his best, and, while he may never live up to Paolo Maldini comparisons, he could achieve a similar level of longevity.

Central Midfielder: Mattia El Hilali

Age in 2026: 28

Mattia El Hilali was one of a number of Primavera players to earn opportunities in pre-season friendlies over the summer, including a substitute appearance in the 3-3 draw with German champions Bayern Munich. Fast and strong with efficient distribution, he is capable of playing centrally in midfield or defence.

Defensive Midfielder: Manuel Locatelli

Age in 2026: 28

Manuel Locatelli couldn’t have had a more stunning introduction to the wider footballing world.

Having already made his full Milan debut and appeared several times from the substitutes' bench this season, his left-footed screamer from outside the box to equalise against Sassuolo in early October ensured he left his mark on fans of the game across the world.

The strike, and his emotional celebration, was shared relentlessly via social media. Suddenly, Milan had a new star in their ranks. But those in and around the club already knew this.

A refined technician with sound positioning, tactical intelligence and a good range of passing, the 18-year-old Locatelli has all the raw materials to make the regista role his own in future.

Central Midfielder: Niccolo Zanellato

Age in 2026: 28

Niccolo Zanellato was one of the most promising breakout players of Milan’s pre-season tour in the summer. Tall and thin, he isn’t the most physical of central midfielders but appears to possess a good touch, awareness and sound passing. At 18, he is one to watch out for in the very near future.

Right Wing: Luca Vido

Age in 2026: 29

A quick, incisive winger or second striker, 19-year-old Luca Vido is an integral member of Milan’s Primavera squad. This season he has scored four and set up one in five appearances for the youth team, suggesting he may soon be ready for promotion to the first team.

Striker: Patrick Cutrone

Age in 2026: 28

Physical, quick and with a sharp eye for goal, Patrick Cutrone has impressed for Milan’s Primavera in recent years and is due a chance to prove his worth at senior level.

Last term, he notched 14 goals in 19 league games for the under-19s; this term so far, he has hit three in five. With the correct support, his clinical left foot could make the step up.

Left Wing: M'Baye Niang

Age in 2026: 31

While only 21 years of age, M’Baye Niang’s importance to Milan is unquestionable.

Following an injury in February that saw him miss the rest of the 2015-16 Serie A campaign, Milan won just two of their remaining 11 games. Prior to his absence they were unbeaten in nine, five of which had been wins and three of which he had scored in.

The Frenchman is fast growing into a fine all-round forward. With a combination of physical strength, raw pace, good ball control and dribbling skill, he is impactful in one-on-one situations and causes problems for defenders. With an improved end product, he could lead Milan’s front line for years to come.

All statistics provided by WhoScored.com unless otherwise stated.