Paolo Maldiniđź‘‘
Paolo Maldini is and former Italian professional footballer who played as a defender (left-back) for AC Milan and his national country. He regarded as the greatest defender of all time. He has captained his national country Italy and AC Milan for many years so the fans gave him the nickname " Il Capitano " ("The Captain"). Maldini was holding a record of most appearances in Serie A until 2020 where he was overtaken by Juventus Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Maldini is currently serving as a technical director of Milan and also co-owner of USL Championship club Miami FC.
Maldini was the academy player of AC Milan. He played for academy since 1978-1985. His first senior appearance was in 1985 till 2009. Maldini spent all his 25 seasons of his playing career with Milan in Serie A. He retired at the age of 41 in 2009. He has won 25 trophies with Milan. Maldini won the Best Defender at the UEFA Club Football Awards at the age of 39. After his retirement, Milan retired his number 3 shirt.
Maldini played for Italy U21 and made 12 appearances and scored 5 goals. In 1988 he made his debut for Italy playing for straight 14 years and made 126 appearances were the record at that time until Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon surpassed him. He was captain for Italy for 8 years. He took part in four FIFA World Cup and three UEFA European Champion, unfortunately, he didn't win any trophies for his national country. Maldini held the record of most appearances in UEFA Club Competition with 174 appearances until he was overtaken by Real Madrid goalkeeper Legend Iker Casillas in 2017. He is among the 18 players to have made over 1,000 career appearances.
Sir Alex Ferguson
"Maldini went through the entire 90 minutes without tackling. That is an art and he is the master of it. He is a great player."
Ronaldo (Brazilian)
"Paolo Maldini is the best I've played against"
Francesco Totti
"I haven't seen a more determined, loyal player than him. The best captain the Azzurri I have ever had."
Steven Gerrard
"He is the definition of how a captain should be."
Paolo Maldini has won 2 times European Champion Club’s Cup. 3 times Champions League for AC Milan. Seven times Italian Champion. One time Italian Cup Winner. 5 times Italian Super Cup Winner. One time FIFA Club World Cup Winner in 2007. One time Copa Italia Primavera Winner. Two times Intercontinental Cup Winner and four times UEFA Supercup Winner
Achievements are taken from transfermarkt.co.uk
