“He’s a real Rossonero, his soul belongs to Milan.” – Beautiful words from Cesare Maldini about his son – but trust us, this isn’t nepotism.
He might actually be underselling Paolo, a true icon of the game, of one club, and of his nation.
Paolo Maldini in action for AC MIlan
The versatile colossus didn’t have a spell of greatness, his entire career was at the highest level – from his debut at 16 in 1985 to his final season, aged 41, in 2008/09.
His glorious spell as Il Capitano at the San Siro spanned an astonishing three decades – and almost entered a fourth – and if you believe the tales of teammates, coaches, and his adoring fans there was barely a moment his standards dropped to anything below elite.
It could have been different too; it’s not easy being the son of a footballer.
And he wasn’t only that, he was the son of club legend.
Cesare is etched into history and with Milan too, as he led them to their first ever European Cup win in 1963; they were the first Italian side to win and therefore he was the first Italian to ever lift the trophy as captain.
He also won four league titles with the club and in the early 1960s was regarded as one of the best defenders in world football.
Like father, like son in the Maldini household as both won the European Cup/Champions League in England as captains of Milan
Having such a father could have been too much pressure for Paolo, but it was water off a duck’s back.
This is someone who was mature beyond his years; many teammates at the time knew almost immediately he’d be a huge star for the club.
Precision tackling, perfect positioning, he was an erudite defender – whether it was at left-back or centre-back.
Meanwhile, he was blessed with composure and skill with the ball at his feet, willing to display his guile and gumption when moving down the left flank, creating plenty of chances for this attacking teammates.
When people talk of complete footballers it’s Maldini who can easily be held up as the patron saint of these all-round superstars.
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As a child he had a poster of Juventus legend Roberto Bettega on his wall, a goalscoring sensation in Serie A but also a versatile and commanding presence in Turin, while he also enjoyed playing in goal in his youth.
If having Bettega on his wall might dampen the views of those who know him as a Rossoneri loyalist, they will find great joy in the fact he refused to have a trial with rivals Internazionale and begged his father for one with Milan.
It should come as no surprise that when asked his position by the club at the trial he simply stated he didn’t have one. They would place him on the right wing and he was signed on his first day.
Paolo Maldini during the 1987/88 season
After progressing through the ranks, some of Milan’s senior stars were obviously intrigued as to whether his name had got him so far, but quickly any fears dissipated.
He was very young, so I tried to give him some advice. But he needed very little; he was already a great player, said Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders the world has ever seen.
An athlete as well as a footballer, he was quickly a key figure at the San Siro and soon he would clutch silverware, winning the first of seven Scudettos in 1988 – before his 20th birthday.
The very next year he would win the European Cup as Milan brushed aside Steaua Bucharest 4-0 in the final at the Camp Nou.
Overall he would win the competition five times across his career and was a runner-up on three occasions.
Paolo Maldini lifts the European Cup after beating Barcelona in 1994
His international career wouldn’t have the same level of success as trophies eluded Maldini and a talented group of Azzurri stars between 1988 and 2002.
When he retired from his national duties after the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he did so as the man with the most ever caps for Italy, although his record of 126 has since been toppled by Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon.
On a individual stand point, Maldini’s acumen was always well regarded; he came third in the Ballon d’Or voting on two occasions – 1994 and 2003, while he came second in FIFA’s World Player of the Year vote in 1995.
Meanwhile, he made it into several best XIs in different international and domestic competitions.
But what do those who played or managed with and against Maldini say about his exceptional quality? talkSPORT.com takes a look…
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He played against him and he trained with him so R9 is well placed to know his talents.
Toughest defender Ive faced in my career? Paolo Maldini would be the toughest ever.
Ronaldo tries to evade Paolo Maldini AND Fabio Cannavaro
Sir Alex Ferguson
Of course, every manager worth their salt would want Maldini. Only a few clubs could ever get him, like Manchester United.
The Italian would have been a fine replacement for Denis Irwin and it appears attempts to land him were made by the Red Devils.
Ferguson said: Well I did try. But when I met his father he was quite formidable. I got a shake of the head. Thats all I got.
He did say my grandfather was Milan, my fathers Milan, Im Milan and my son is Milan. Forget it.
And if Fergie’s love of Maldini wasn’t evident, this pretty much shines a light on how much he thought of him.
“When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top-level and, although he has never taken my breath away, Kaka has impressed, Zinedine Zidane was brilliant but without a doubt, Paolo Maldini has been my favourite he has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism, and although not the world’s greatest technically, he has influenced all the AC Milan teams during his wonderfully successful era.”
Paolo Maldini and his teammates, including Andrea Pirlo, celebrate
Franco Baresi
One man who knew him incredibly well was his teammate and another legendary AC Milan defender.
The two were incredible together and it’s clear Baresi was extremely fond of their time together on the pitch.
We were teammates for 15 years. We read each others brain; moved as if we were one person. He could play in every defensive role extraordinary. Playing with him was a pleasure and an honour.
While he also said: “That’s the difference between normal players and world-class players. Paolo Maldini managed to win the Champions League at nearly 39 years old because he is an incredible athlete and an exemplary professional.”
Italian stars Franco Baresi, Daniele Massaro, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Donadoni and Demetrio Albertini look dejected after losing the 1994 World Cup final
Ronald Koeman
Now a manager, the Dutchman was once a key star for Barcelona in the early 1990s.
He played against AC Milan in the Italian side’s shock 4-0 Champions League final win in 1994 and had nothing but praise for his opponent Maldini.
Theres never been a better left-back in the games history. Two-footed, and at his peak, brilliant going forward.
The night Milan annihilated Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League Final, he played centre-half, as Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta were both suspended, and looked like hed played there all his life.
Maldini charges down the left flank while playing for Italy
Ronaldinho
You’d think one of the most skilful players ever would hate someone like Maldini, who consistently broke up attacks. Not a chance – the Brazil was enamoured with his teammate.
He was one of the best defenders in Champions League history, but what was so impressive about him is that when he was on the ball he didnt look like a defender, but like an elegant midfield player.
Tony Adams
Even other legendary defenders love Maldini, and they admire his personal life too.
“An amazing player, technically excellent and with a beautiful wife! I think he learnt an awful lot from Franco Baresi.
“I love the Italian defenders and the zonal defence system, and Paolo was very good at it. When I was at Arsenal with George Graham in charge, we watched hours and hours of tapes of Maldini.”
Christian Vieri, Paolo Maldini, Allessandro Del Piero and Ariel Ortega pose for a portrait while shooting an advert
Marcel Desailly
“A real monster. I find it incredible he has never been World or European Footballer of the Year. Alongside Franco Baresi he was the best defender Ive ever seen in my career.
“Although everybody tends to think of him just as a full-back, he could also play as a stopper. Most people remember that great Milan side of the late-80s for its attacking play and for the forward pair of Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, but it was a team built on a very solid defence, and Maldini was the cornerstone.
Ray Wilkins
A legend on and off the pitch, Wilkins had a spell with AC Milan and revealed just how versatile Maldini really was.
Just an unbelievable athlete. If he wanted to play centre-forward, he could. He literally had it all.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
It’s not often the Swede talks about someone other than himself and it’s best to listen when he does reveal his thoughts on others.
Maldini was the best and toughest defender I ever faced. He had everything: he was a complete defender, who was strong, intelligent, and an excellent man-marker.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic up against Italy legend Paolo Maldini
Alessandro Del Piero
There are great players and there are world-class players. Then there are those who manage to go beyond that term. Paolo is the perfect example. He is the symbol of Milan.
Alessandro Del Piero and Paolo Maldini ahead of the Champions League final in 2003
Ruud Gullit
The Dutchman claimed three Serie A titles and two European Cups alongside Maldini so it’s no surprise to see him praised so highly.
Position for position one of the greatest players ever. But unlike certain other great full-backs, he wasnt world class when just defending or just attacking he could do both better than most and is an excellent centre-back too.
Andriy Shevchenko
Later in Maldini’s career he would have the Ukrainian strike ace as a teammate and he is just one of many who appreciated his qualities.
The most gifted and hard-working player Ive ever seen. He was an excellent all-round footballer with true leadership virtues and the rare ability to be reliable in defence and creative in attack.
Paolo Maldini celebrates beating Juventus in Turin
Philippe Mexès
Another ex-AC Milan teammate was shocked he never won a major individual award.
He is the image of football in Italy, and the world. Hes never won the Ballon d’Or, but I would give him a hundred.
Teddy Sheringham
And one England ace was fully of praise for his all-round ability.
He definitely lives up to his reputation. Hes good going forward, but more importantly a great defender. Ive never seen him ripped apart by a winger.