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Paolo Maldini’s legacy as one of the greatest defenders in football history is undeniable. His long and successful career with AC Milan, as well as his contributions to the Italy national team, have solidified his place among the footballing elite.
Beyond his playing career, Maldini’s continued involvement in the sport as a technical director and club owner showcases his ongoing passion for the game.
Paolo Maldini’s Biography
Paolo Cesare Maldini OMRI is an Italian former professional footballer who played primarily as a left back and centre back for AC Milan and the Italy national team.
Maldini, who was born in Milan on June 26, 1968, is widely recognised as one of the best defenders of all time. He was known as “Il Capitano” for many years as Milan and Italy’s captain.
Maldini played his whole 25-year Serie A career with Milan, retiring in 2009 at the age of 41. He won 26 trophies with the club, including the European Cup/UEFA Champions League five times, seven Serie A crowns, one Coppa Italia, five Supercoppa Italiana titles, five European/UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
He also held the record for most Serie A appearances with 647 until being surpassed by Gianluigi Buffon in 2020. Furthermore, Maldini and Francisco Gento share the record for most European Cup/UEFA Champions League final appearances with eight each.
Furthermore, Maldini and Francisco Gento share the record for most European Cup/UEFA Champions League final appearances with eight.
Maldini made his national team debut in 1988 and played for 14 years before retiring in 2002. He won 126 caps for Italy and scored 7 goals, setting the appearance record at the time.
Maldini did not win a major tournament with Italy, but he did reach the finals of the World Cup in 1994 and Euro 2000, as well as the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1990 and Euro 1988. He was named to the all-star teams for both of these tournaments, as well as for Euro 1996.
He finished second in the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995 and third in the Ballon d’Or in 1994 and 2003.
Maldini garnered various awards and honours throughout his career for his extraordinary skills and services to the sport. In 2002, he was named to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team, and in 2004, Pelé named him to the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
Maldini was voted 21st among the 100 greatest players of the twentieth century by World Soccer magazine, and he was also named to the Ballon d’Or Dream Team in 2020. With 174 appearances in UEFA Club competitions, he held the record until Iker Casillas surpassed him in 2017.
Maldini holds the record for Milan appearances in all competitions with 902, and he is one of the few players to have made over 1,000 career appearances.
Maldini became a co-owner of USL Championship club Miami FC after retiring as a player and serving as Milan’s technical director. He was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in December 2012.
Maldini’s Milan career was marked with several successes and accomplishments. He made his senior debut for Milan at the age of 16 in 1985 and soon established himself as a regular starter the following season.
Maldini created a powerful defensive quartet under Arrigo Sacchi and later Fabio Capello and helped Milan win multiple league crowns and European trophies. He won his first Serie A championship in 1987–88 and went on to win seven more during his career.
Maldini was instrumental in Milan’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1988–89 and 1989–90. He was also a key figure in Milan’s undefeated Serie A season in 1991–92, which gave them the moniker “The Invincibles.”
In his later years, Maldini took over as captain of Milan and helped lead the squad to greater glory. In 2002-03, he won his second Champions League title as captain for the first time. In the same season, Milan also won Serie A. Maldini continued to contribute to Milan’s success in subsequent seasons, helping them reach another Champions League final in 2004-05.
Although Milan lost on penalties to Liverpool, Maldini scored the game’s first goal and became the oldest player to score in a Champions League final.
Maldini reached many milestones during his final season with Milan in 2008-09, including his 900th official match for Milan and 1,000th professional career appearance.
He announced his retirement at the end of the season, and his final match for Milan was a 2-0 victory over Fiorentina. Milan retired Maldini’s number three jersey, and he got countless accolades and awards for his amazing career.
Paolo Maldini’s Girlfriend
Paolo Maldini’s girlfriend happens to be his now wife Adriana Maldini who he has been married to for over 28 years now.
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