Paolo Maldini was born on June 26, 1968, in Milan, Italy, and is the son of Cesare Maldini, another legendary footballer who also captained AC Milan.
Maldini made his Serie A debut for AC Milan at the age of 16 on January 20, 1985, against Udinese.
Throughout his 25-year career, Maldini played exclusively for AC Milan, making 902 appearances for the club, a record for the team.
Paolo Maldini won five UEFA Champions League titles with AC Milan, making him one of the most successful players in the history of the competition.
He also won seven Serie A titles with Milan, establishing the club as one of the dominant forces in Italian football.
Known for his versatility, Maldini was equally adept at playing as a left-back or a center-back, excelling in both positions.
Paolo Maldini was renowned for his clean style of play, never resorting to rough tackles, and received only a handful of red cards throughout his career.
Despite playing in defense, Maldini managed to score 40 goals for Milan, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively.
He was the captain of AC Milan for 12 years, leading the team with distinction and becoming a role model for future generations.
Maldini made 126 appearances for the Italian national team, making him one of the most capped players in Italy's history.
He played in four FIFA World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002) and three UEFA European Championships (1988, 1996, and 2000).
Paolo Maldini was part of the Italian team that reached the 1994 World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Brazil in a penalty shootout.
After retiring in 2009, AC Milan retired his iconic number 3 shirt as a tribute to his legendary career.
In addition to his playing career, Maldini has taken on various roles within AC Milan, including as a director, continuing his lifelong association with the club.
Paolo Maldini's legacy in football is unmatched, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, admired for his sportsmanship, leadership, and consistency.
