Paolo Maldini was born in Milan, Italy, and his entire footballing journey, from youth to retirement, was spent at AC Milan.
Like many young footballers, he began by playing street football. At the age of 10, he joined the AC Milan Youth Academy, where he initially played as a right winger or midfielder in a 4-4-2 system. However, at 14, he transitioned to defense, showcasing his versatility as both a right-back and left-back due to his proficiency with both feet.
Rising Star at AC Milan
At just 16, Maldini made his Serie A debut for AC Milan, and by 17, he had already cemented his place as a starter, donning the number three jersey—previously worn by his father, Cesare Maldini. In 1988, at the age of 20, he won his first major trophy, the Serie A title, as part of a legendary Milan squad dubbed “The Immortals.” Led by Arrigo Sacchi, the team featured greats like Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, and Ruud Gullit. That season, Milan boasted an impenetrable defense, conceding just 14 goals en route to the Scudetto.
Dominance in European Football
The following years saw Maldini and Milan dominate Europe. They won back-to-back European Cups (now the UEFA Champions League) in 1989 and 1990, along with the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup. Despite being under 23, Maldini was already a key figure in one of the best teams in football history.
Under Fabio Capello in the early 1990s, Milan entered another golden era. The 1991-92 squad, famously called “The Invincibles,” won Serie A without losing a single game. Milan went 58 matches unbeaten, a record at the time. Between 1992 and 1994, the club won three consecutive league titles and reached three straight Champions League finals, triumphing in 1994 with a historic 4-0 win over Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona. Despite missing key players like Franco Baresi and Marco van Basten, Milan’s defense, led by Maldini, held firm.
International Career and Near Misses
Maldini was just as influential for Italy, helping them reach the 1994 World Cup final, where they lost to Brazil on penalties. That same year, he finished third in the Ballon d’Or and became the first defender to be named World Player of the Year by World Soccer magazine. He also led Italy to the Euro 2000 final, but they fell to France in heartbreaking fashion. Despite his immense contributions, a major international trophy eluded him—arguably the only missing piece in his otherwise flawless career.
A New Era: Leadership and Revival
In 1997, following the retirement of Baresi, Maldini was appointed Milan’s captain. The club went through a challenging phase, missing out on European competitions for two seasons. However, under his leadership, Milan rebounded, winning the Coppa Italia final in 1998 and securing the Serie A title again in 1999.
In 2001, former teammate Carlo Ancelotti took over as Milan’s manager, ushering in yet another successful era. Maldini adapted to playing center-back alongside Alessandro Nesta and later formed formidable partnerships with Cafu and Jaap Stam. Milan won the Champions League in 2003, defeating Juventus in an all-Italian final. Maldini was named Man of the Match and became the first Milan captain since his father to lift the trophy on English soil, exactly 40 years later.
Revenge Against Liverpool and Longevity at the Top
Maldini’s resilience was tested in the 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool, where he scored the fastest goal in final history. However, Milan suffered a shocking defeat despite leading 3-0. Two years later, they had their revenge, beating Liverpool 2-1 in the 2007 final. At 38, Maldini became the oldest captain to lift the trophy and set the record for the most Champions League final appearances (eight).
Retirement and Lasting Legacy
Maldini played his final game in 2009 at 41 years old, having spent his entire career at Milan. His achievements include 26 trophies, over 1,000 professional appearances, and numerous records, including most appearances in AC Milan’s history. To honor him, Milan retired the number three jersey, reserving it only for his descendants.
What Made Maldini Special?
Three key attributes set Maldini apart from other defenders:
- Versatility – He excelled as a right-back, left-back, and center-back, adapting his game as he aged.
- Longevity – He won trophies across four different decades and played with legends from different generations.
- Loyalty – Maldini remained at AC Milan for 31 years, turning down offers from other clubs even after retiring.
He later became Milan’s technical director, overseeing signings that led to Milan’s 2022 Serie A title, their first in over a decade.
The Greatest Defender of All Time?
With his peak performances, leadership, longevity, and loyalty, Paolo Maldini remains an icon in world football. His name is synonymous with defensive excellence. Is he the greatest defender ever? Where does he rank among football’s all-time legends?
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