Why does Christian Pulisic have ‘Harlow’ on the back of his AC Milan jersey against Cagliari?

Christian Pusilic put in an impressive display in AC Milan’s thrashing of Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday, scoring twice at San Siro in his team’s 5-1 win. However, the name on his jersey raised eyebrows, with “Harlow” rather than “Pulisic” printed across the back.

“Harlow” is, in fact, Pulisic’s mother’s maiden surname, with Milan taking part in a special initiative for one game only.

The seven-time European champions revealed on Friday their men’s first team would be wearing their mothers’ surnames on the back of their jerseys, “aiming to bring attention to personal identity rights for every individual”. In addition, the stadium announcer at San Siro read out both fathers’ and mothers’ surnames when announcing the teams before the game.

AC Milan in Mother’s Day initiative against Cagliari

In June 2022, an Italian court ruled that a law in the country that automatically assigned children their father’s last name was discriminatory. A little under two years later, the Rossoneri chose Mother’s Day weekend - in many countries - to highlight the change in regulation, which now gives parents the equal right to choose which surname to pass down.

“We are happy and proud of this initiative, born on a special occasion like Mother’s Day to raise public awareness about the equal right to choose the surname of one’s children,” said Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani.

After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned on MatchWornShirt, with some of the proceeds to be donated to the “A Goal to Dream” project, while promotes female empowerment through sport in Pakistan.