9/10
Shirt condition
Excellent condition
The red and black are bold, with no fading or pilling, and the white polo collar is clean. The embroidered crest and Adidas logo are sharp. One thing to note: a few micro signs of wear on the letters of the Fly Emirates sponsor, barely visible to the naked eye (photo 6). The printing is complete and lies flat.
| Size |
S — regular fit |
| Manufacturer |
Adidas ClimaCool — supporter version |
| Season |
2012-2013 — Balotelli arrives at San Siro |
| Version |
Red and black striped home, thin green and white pinstripes, white polo collar |
| Sponsor |
Fly Emirates (chest) |
| Printing |
BALOTELLI #45, white, small club logo on the numbers |
| Patches |
Champions League starball, 7-titles badge and RESPECT (sleeves) — added in my workshop
|
| Production date |
February 2012 (02/12 on the tag) |
| Auth. code |
X23680 (on the tag, independently verifiable)
|
Not sure about the size? This S measures 47 x 71 cm: compare with the flat measurements below, or check my size guide.
Flat measurements
| Width (pit to pit) |
47 cm |
| Length (shoulder to hem) |
71 cm |
A classic Adidas S, fairly close to the body. Lay flat a shirt that fits you well, measure it the same way and compare.
Key facts about this piece
The Fly Emirates sponsor shows fine micro signs of wear on a few letters, mainly on “tes” (photo 6). They are only visible up close; the rest of the shirt is in excellent condition.
100% AUTHENTIC
✦ Authenticity guaranteed for life
Piece checked by hand in my authentication workshop. If a piece bought from me ever turned out not to be authentic, I refund you in full. A guarantee with no expiry date: only original pieces, never modern reissues.
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Inner Adidas tag (photo 4): code X23680, production date 02/12 and reference AZB001
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Embroidered ACM 1899 crest, topped by the gold star for ten league titles (photo 3)
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Embroidered Adidas logo and ClimaCool mention printed under the collar (photo 3)
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Cut and finish: white polo collar with placket, thin green and white pinstripes between the stripes, black underarm panels
Workshop note — Code X23680 matches the 2012-2013 home shirt, and the 02/12 date falls right within its production window, ahead of the spring 2012 launch. I also check the green and white pinstripes along each stripe: they are woven into the fabric, not printed.
Balotelli, the winter Milan found its colours again
In summer 2012, Milan lose Ibrahimović and Thiago Silva to PSG. Massimiliano Allegri's side start the season badly and spend the autumn far from the top three.
On 31 January 2013, the last day of the transfer window, the club brings Mario Balotelli back to Italy from Manchester City. He takes the number 45, the one he already wore at Inter.
3 February 2013: on his debut against Udinese, Balotelli scores twice, including a stoppage-time penalty. Milan win 2-1.
He ends the season with 12 goals in 13 Serie A games. Milan climb the table and clinch third place on the final day, earning a Champions League spot.
Frequently asked questions
Did Balotelli play in the Champions League for Milan that season?
No. He had already played in the group stage with Manchester City, so he could not play in the competition for Milan in 2012-2013. The BALOTELLI #45 printing recalls his Serie A season.
What do the sleeve patches stand for?
The Champions League starball, the badge for the club's seven European titles and the UEFA RESPECT patch. They were added in my workshop.
How can I check the shirt is authentic?
Look at the inner tag: code X23680 and date 02/12. Then check the embroidered crest with its gold star and the green and white pinstripes woven between the stripes.
How does this S fit?
True to size, rather close to the body. 47 cm pit to pit and 71 cm long: if you wear an S, it will fit you.
How much is shipping and how long does it take?
Shipped within 24-48 h with tracking: €5.99 in France, €9.99 to the EU, free from €99.99. You have 14 days to return the shirt if it doesn't suit you. All the details in my shipping FAQ.

Authenticated by Matthieu
Authentication expert and founder of Pure Football Shirts. Every shirt goes through my hands before it is listed. My story →