Lunch with Ruud Gullit — Celebrating Milan fashion, football heritage and golf flair in Dubai

Dubai: It was a real privilege to meet Ruud Gullit, the legend himself, and share lunch with him during his visit to Dubai. As an ardent football fan, it was a fantastic experience. Gullit’s warmth and energy filled the room as he shared stories with his trademark charisma and passion. He is such a great talker that if he ever starts a podcast, it will be a hit.

He spoke with great enthusiasm about his love for golf, mentioning favourite players like Luke Donald and Colin Montgomerie. He laughed that it was hard to name just a few because there are so many he admires. He went on to describe the breathtaking scenery at Kingsbarns Golf Course in Scotland and said Yas Links in Abu Dhabi impressed him just as much. Valderrama, he admitted with a smile, is not among his favourites as even good shots can get punished by the trees.

Gullit also reflected on his good old Milan days and how he first picked up golf in 1999. Watching him now bring his sporting grace to the course feels like a full circle moment.

The Dutch great is in Dubai for a three day showcase of the AC Milan Golf Collection, the first major presentation of the range in the Middle East and a reflection of the club’s evolution into a global lifestyle brand.

During his stay, Ruud Gullit, one of AC Milan’s most influential players and the 1987 Ballon d’Or winner, has been at the centre of attention. He attended a media lunch at Aelia, SIRO One Zaabeel, where the collection was introduced to regional press and guests eager to meet the football icon in person.

Gullit also visited Jumeirah Golf Estates ahead of the season ending DP World Tour Championship. Wearing the elegant AC Milan Golf Collection apparel, he already featured in Tuesday’s Rolex Pro Am session on the Earth Course.

He will next take part in a Short Game Challenge on Wednesday at the DP World Championship Village alongside American golf influencer Bradford Wilson, as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30 initiative celebrating sport and community.

Speaking at the event, Gullit said, “Milan has always stood for elegance and innovation, and you feel that same spirit in this collection. Golf today is culture as much as sport. Dubai is the perfect place to show how AC Milan connects both, a city that understands performance, lifestyle and global style.”

Valerio Rocchetti, AC Milan’s Director of Licensing, Retail and E Commerce, added, “This collection is a natural expression of who we are as a club, sporting yet cultural, with Milan’s creative heritage at its core. We are proud to bring it to Dubai with Ruud, whose legacy continues to inspire our global community.”