Paolo Maldini

In 1978, at the age of 10, Maldini had his first tryout for AC Milan youth academy. Before that, he had only played street football. He successfully played the test game as a right midfielder or winger in the 4–4–2 formation and was accepted into his age group's squad.{{cite web | url=https://www.milannews.it/news/maldini-vi-racconto-il-mio-provino-con-il-milan-se-non-fosse-arrivato-berlusconi-e-le-ambizioni-di-vittoria-potevo-andare-altrove-534739 | title=Maldini: "Vi racconto il mio provino con il Milan. Se non fosse arrivato Berlusconi e le ambizioni di vittoria potevo andare altrove" }} He would continue playing in this position until the age of 14, when he was moved to right full-back. Due to him being good on the ball with both of his feet, he would sometimes be fielded on the left side as well.{{cite web | url=https://www.milannews.it/gli-ex/maldini-nelle-giovanili-giocavo-a-destra-mi-piaceva-fare-l-ala-e-dribblare-534751 | title=Maldini: "Nelle giovanili giocavo a destra. Mi piaceva fare l'ala e dribblare..." }}

Maldini won the Coppa Italia Primavera with the Milan Youth side during the 1984–85 season, and he made his league debut for Milan under manager Nils Liedholm during the same season on 20 January 1985, replacing the injured Sergio Battistini in a match against Udinese at age 16.{{cite news | url=http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/05/23/maldini_the_fulcrum_of_milan_g.html | title=Maldini the fulcrum of Milan generation game | access-date=28 May 2007 | work=Guardian | location=London | first=Richard | last=Williams | date=23 May 2007 | archive-date=25 May 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525131550/http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/05/23/maldini_the_fulcrum_of_milan_g.html | url-status=live }} It was his only league appearance of the campaign, but he was immediately made a member of the starting eleven the following season, at age 17, at right-back, being handed the number 3 shirt, which had previously also belonged to his father, Cesare.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/storie/12-08-2017/88-buffon-44gatti-1-ardiles-storia-numeri-pazzi/3-famiglia-maldini.shtml|title=L'88 di Buffon, il "44Gatti" e l'1 di Ardiles: storia dei numeri pazzi|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|first=Martina|last=Mazzaro|date=13 August 2017|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824051746/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/storie/12-08-2017/88-buffon-44gatti-1-ardiles-storia-numeri-pazzi/3-famiglia-maldini.shtml|url-status=live}} Maldini also made his Coppa Italia debut in 1985, on 21 August, while his debut in European competition also came later that same year, on 18 September. He scored the first of his 29 goals in Serie A on 4 January 1987{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/85323|title=Dove c'è un abbraccio ...|publisher=AC Milan|language=it|access-date=24 July 2014|archive-date=6 March 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130306142444/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/85323|url-status=live}} in a 1–0 win against Como.{{cite web |url=http://www.magliarossonera.it/protagonisti/Gioc-Maldinip.html |title=Paolo Cesare Maldini |publisher=MagliaRossonera.it |language=it |access-date=19 June 2010 |archive-date=15 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015172900/http://www.magliarossonera.it/protagonisti/Gioc-Maldinip.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/paolo_maldini.html|title=Paolo MaIdini: Io sono leggenda|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=30 May 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123046/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/paolo_maldini.html|url-status=live}}

The 1987–88 Scudetto under Arrigo Sacchi marked Maldini's first trophy, and the first of seven league titles, with the club.{{cite web | url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/players/player=428/index.html | title=Paolo Maldini | work=UEFA | access-date=28 May 2007 | archive-date=27 May 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070527062801/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/players/player=428/index.html | url-status=dead }} Nicknamed "The Immortals", Sacchi's Milan side is remembered for including the Dutch trio of Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, as well as the Italian midfielders Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Donadoni (and later Demetrio Albertini), and a strong defensive lineup.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/24573761|title=How the Belgrade fog saved the great AC Milan team of 1988-89|work=BBC Sport|first=Tom|last=Rostance|date=5 November 2013|access-date=29 July 2016|archive-date=16 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916144306/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/24573761|url-status=live}} Under Sacchi and later Fabio Capello, Maldini formed with long-timers Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Mauro Tassotti, as well as Filippo Galli, Stefano Nava and later Christian Panucci, one of football's strongest defensive quartets of all time.{{efn|See{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2834534/gianluigi-buffon-record-cements-his-legacy-greatest-keeper|title=Gianluigi Buffon record cements his legacy as greatest keeper of all-time|publisher=ESPN FC|first=James|last=Horncastle|access-date=21 March 2016|date=21 March 2016|archive-date=23 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723040450/http://www.espnfc.com/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2834534/gianluigi-buffon-record-cements-his-legacy-greatest-keeper|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/21/gianluigi-buffon-clean-sheet-record-juventus-torino-sebastiano-rossi|title=Gianluigi Buffon humble as clean sheet record tumbles, but delight not universal|work=The Guardian|first=Nicky|last=Bandini|date=21 March 2016|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726183438/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/21/gianluigi-buffon-clean-sheet-record-juventus-torino-sebastiano-rossi|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/08/joy-of-six-great-defences|title=The Joy of Six: Great defences|work=The Guardian|first=Rob|last=Smyth|date=8 May 2009|access-date=9 March 2016|archive-date=16 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216083337/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/08/joy-of-six-great-defences|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/nazionale/2013/11/19/news/rivoluzione_filosofica_prandelli-71352856/?refresh_ce|title=Nazionale: 2013, addio al catenaccio. Balotelli-Rossi coppia mondiale|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=19 November 2013|access-date=9 March 2016|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008115617/https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/nazionale/2013/11/19/news/rivoluzione_filosofica_prandelli-71352856/?refresh_ce|url-status=live}}{{cite book|last1=Foot|first1=John|title=Winning at All Costs: A Scandalous History of Italian Soccer|date=2006|publisher=Nation Books|location=New York|page=228}}{{cite web|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/la-storia-della-tattica-da-sacchi-a-guardiola_sto4735853/story.shtml|title=La storia della tattica: da Sacchi a Guardiola|publisher=Eurosport|language=it|first=Mattia|last=Fontana|date=19 August 2014|access-date=10 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/milan_sacchi_capello.html|title=MILAN 1988-1994: 6 ANNI DA CAMPIONI|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|first=Corrado|last=Sannucci|date=28 November 2015|access-date=10 March 2016|archive-date=6 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006053937/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/milan_sacchi_capello.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.it/news/162238/VIDEO---Speciale-squadre-nella-leggenda-Milan-93-94-vs-Inter-09-10.html|title=Speciale squadre nella leggenda, Milan '93-'94 vs Inter '09-'10|publisher=Calciomercato.it|language=it|first=Jonathan|last=Terreni|date=19 June 2012|access-date=10 March 2016|archive-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310140544/http://www.calciomercato.it/news/162238/VIDEO---Speciale-squadre-nella-leggenda-Milan-93-94-vs-Inter-09-10.html|url-status=dead}}}} During the 1987–88 Serie A season, Milan only conceded 14 goals, finishing with the best defence in Italy, as they went on to win the Serie A title. Maldini went on to win the 1988 Supercoppa Italiana with Milan the following season, and followed up this trophy with back to back European Cup titles in 1988–89 and 1989–90, while Milan finished in third and in second place in Serie A during those respective seasons. On 19 February 1989, Maldini made his 100th appearance in Serie A.

Milan reached the final of the 1989–90 Coppa Italia, losing out to Juventus. Milan also managed to capture successive European Super Cup titles in 1989 and 1990, as well as successive Intercontinental Cup titles, once again 1989 and 1990. The following season, in Sacchi's final season with the club, Milan were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the European Cup by eventual finalists Marseille, and finished second in Serie A, behind Sampdoria, once again with the best defence in the league, conceding only 19 goals. Milan reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, losing out to eventual champions Roma. In 1989, Maldini was awarded the Bravo Award, as the best under-23 player in European Competitions.

Under Sacchi's replacement, Fabio Capello, Milan continued to be a dominant force in Italy and in Europe. Maldini was also part of Milan's undefeated Serie A team, which won the championship in the 1991–92 season; in total, Milan went unbeaten for an Italian record of 58 league matches, earning the nickname "The Invincibles".{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1745954.html|title=The longest unbeaten runs in European football|publisher=UEFA|date=4 February 2016|access-date=29 July 2016|archive-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614055608/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1745954.html|url-status=dead}} This championship was Milan's first of three consecutive Serie A titles under Capello in the early 1990s. Maldini helped Milan defend the Serie A title the following season, and reach the first of three consecutive UEFA Champions League finals. Milan lost the 1993 Champions League final in a 1–0 defeat to Marseille. That season, Maldini scored his first goal in European Competitions on 21 October 1992 in a 1–0 Champions League win against Slovan Bratislava, and also made his 200th appearance in Serie A on 4 October of the same year. The following season, Milan captured their third consecutive Serie A title, finishing with the best defence in Italy, conceding just 15 goals. Maldini also helped lead Milan to a second consecutive Champions League final, where he helped his team defeat Barcelona. Due to Alessandro Costacurta's suspension and injuries sustained to Franco Baresi, Jean-Pierre Papin and Marco van Basten, Barcelona's "Dream Team", coached by Johan Cruyff, were heavy favourites to win the trophy, with the formidable attacking duo of Romário and Hristo Stoichkov. Despite their key absences, Maldini helped the Milan defence keep a clean sheet and overcome Barcelona 4–0 in the final, with two goals from Daniele Massaro and one each from Dejan Savićević and Marcel Desailly.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/mar/28/barcelona-milan-champions-league-1994|title=Barcelona v Milan revisited: The night in 1994 the Dream died|work=The Guardian|first=Sid|last=Lowe|authorlink=Sid Lowe|date=28 March 2012|access-date=10 April 2015|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007122050/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/mar/28/barcelona-milan-champions-league-1994|url-status=live}}

After winning his third Champions League title and reaching the 1994 World Cup final, Maldini became the first defender ever to win World Soccer magazine's annual World Player of the Year Award. During his acceptance speech, Maldini called his milestone "a particular matter of pride because defenders generally receive so much less attention from fans and the media than goalscorers. We are more in the engine room rather than taking the glory".{{cite web |url=http://www.cs.wm.edu/~wm/maldini.html |title=Paolo Maldini |access-date=25 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511045346/http://www.cs.wm.edu/~wm/maldini.html |archive-date=11 May 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} He then singled out Milan captain Franco Baresi as a player who "really [deserved] to receive the sort of award I have received". Maldini also placed third in the 1994 Ballon d'Or, behind Stoichkov and compatriot Roberto Baggio, and fifth in the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

The following season, Milan and Maldini captured their third consecutive Supercoppa Italiana under Capello, and won the European Super Cup, missing out on the Intercontinental Cup. After three consecutive titles, Milan were unable to retain their Serie A title, although they reached their third consecutive Champions League final, where they were defeated 1–0 by Ajax. Maldini came second behind future teammate George Weah in the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year Award for his performances. On 17 February 1995, he made his 300th appearance in Serie A. Maldini was able to capture his fifth Serie A title, and his fourth under Capello, the following season.

Following Capello's departure, and the aging and retirement of several key players, Milan suffered disappointing results during the next few seasons, undergoing several managerial changes. Milan lost the Supercoppa Italiana to Fiorentina in 1996, and failed to qualify for European competitions for two consecutive seasons, as well as suffering a group stage elimination in the 1996–97 Champions League. Following Franco Baresi's and Mauro Tassotti's retirement after the 1996–97 season, Maldini was appointed Milan's captain. Despite the difficulties Milan encountered during this period, through Maldini's leadership, they reached the Coppa Italia final in 1998, losing to Lazio, and won the 1998–99 Serie A title under Alberto Zaccheroni, finishing one point ahead of Lazio. He made his 400th Serie A appearance on 25 April 1999. In the 1999–2000 season, Milan lost the Supercoppa Italiana against Parma, finished third in Serie A and finished bottom of their Champions League group. Milan were eliminated in the second round of the Champions League the next season and finished in sixth place in Serie A, failing to qualify for the Champions League, and participated in the UEFA Cup the following season.

File:A.C. Milan lifting the European Cup after winning the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League - 20030528.jpg]]

Milan again became a dominant force in Italy and in Europe under Carlo Ancelotti. In the 2001–02 season, Milan finished in fourth place, qualifying for the Champions League, and also reached their best ever finish in the UEFA Cup, losing in the semi-finals. In 2002, Maldini was awarded the Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea", for his career achievements and personality.{{cite web|title=Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": Alba d'Oro|url=http://www.comune.cinisello-balsamo.mi.it/spip.php?article3932|access-date=21 January 2015|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022191358/https://www.comune.cinisello-balsamo.mi.it/spip.php?article3932|url-status=live}} The following season, Maldini lined up with Alessandro Nesta, Alessandro Costacurta and Cafu, who, along with Jaap Stam during the 2004–05 season, formed a formidable defensive lineup in Italy and in Europe. Milan finished third in Serie A, but Maldini won the first Coppa Italia of his career, defeating Roma in the final. On 15 March 2003, he made his 500th appearance in Serie A.

Milan won the 2002–03 Champions League with Maldini as their captain for the first time in his career, in the first all-Italian final, against Juventus, on 28 May 2003 at Old Trafford. Maldini helped Milan keep a clean sheet, as they defeated Juventus 3–2 on penalties after a 0–0 deadlock following extra time. On that day, it was exactly 40 years since his father, Cesare, had also lifted the European Cup trophy as Milan's captain, also in England.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=834649.html|title=Retiring Maldini celebrates the beauty of Milan|publisher=UEFA|date=29 May 2009|access-date=29 January 2016|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215212950/https://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=834649.html|url-status=dead}} He and his father are only one of three other father-son pairs to have also done so; the others being Manuel and Manolo Sanchís of Real Madrid, and Carles and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona. Maldini was elected Man of the Match and was named in the UEFA Team of the Year for the first time in his career.

The following season, Milan were defeated by Juventus on penalties in the Supercoppa Italiana, and in the Intercontinental Cup final by Boca Juniors, once again on penalties, but managed to defeat Porto to capture yet another UEFA Super Cup. Maldini placed third in the 2003 Ballon d'Or for the second time in his career. Maldini went on to captain Milan to win the Serie A title that season, with a record 82 points, whilst Milan were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia by Lazio, and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Deportivo de La Coruña. In April 2004, Maldini placed tenth on the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll, an online UEFA survey, which was organised to commemorate the best European footballers of the past 50 years. Maldini was the second-highest placed Italian after Dino Zoff.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/171606.pdf|title=Zinedine Zidane voted top player by fans|publisher=UEFA|access-date=24 July 2014|archive-date=24 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024165721/http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/171606.pdf|url-status=live}} Maldini was also included in the FIFA 100 list in 2004, which was a selection of the 125 greatest living footballers, chosen by Pelé. Following his Series A-winning performances, Maldini was elected to be the Serie A Defender of the Year in 2004 at the Italian footballing Awards.

File:AC Milan team celebrate.jpg triumph with his Milan teammates. At 38, he was the oldest captain to lift the trophy.]]

Maldini began the next season by lifting the 2004 Supercoppa Italiana as captain after Milan defeated Lazio. Milan finished second in Serie A to Juventus that season, and reached the Champions League final, only to lose out on penalties to Liverpool, although Maldini opened the scoring in the first minute. In 2005, Maldini was elected to be a part of the UEFA Team of the Year for the second time in his career, and was also elected to be the part of the FIFPro World XI for the first time in his career. The following season, Milan finished second behind Juventus in Serie A once again, and reached the Champions League semi-finals, only to be defeated by eventual champions Barcelona. Both Juventus and Milan were later deducted points for being involved in the 2006 "Calciopoli" matchfixing scandal, and the title was awarded to Internazionale, while Juventus were relegated, with Milan finishing in third place after the point deduction. During the season, Maldini scored his first and only double of his career, against Reggina. On 25 September 2005, Maldini broke Dino Zoff's Serie A appearance record after playing his 571st league match against Treviso;{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=343889&&cc=3888|title=Maldini sets record|date=25 September 2005|website=ESPN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714110456/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=343889&&cc=5739|archive-date=14 July 2012|access-date=25 April 2008}} seven days earlier, he had played his 800th game in all competitions for Milan.

The following season, Maldini helped to captain Milan to a fourth-place finish, despite their point deduction, leading them to obtain a crucial Champions League qualifying spot. Maldini played his 600th Serie A match on 13 May 2007 in a 1–1 draw at Catania.{{cite web | url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Milan/Primo_Piano/2007/05_Maggio/14/MALDINI.shtml | title=Maldini infinito: e sono 600 | publisher=Gazzetta dello Sport | access-date=14 May 2007 | date=14 May 2007 | language=it | archive-date=25 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725154132/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Milan/Primo_Piano/2007/05_Maggio/14/MALDINI.shtml | url-status=live }} That season, Maldini captained Milan to their third Champions League final in six years, leading them to a 2–1 victory over Liverpool in the final on 23 May 2007 in Athens, avenging their defeat from 2005. At age 38, Maldini became the oldest captain to lift the Champions League trophy.{{cite web|title=Oldest person to captain a European Cup / Champions League-winning team: Paolo Maldini|date=23 May 2007|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-5000/oldest-person-to-captain-a-european-cup-champions-league-winning-team/|access-date=23 July 2014|archive-date=26 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726230245/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-5000/oldest-person-to-captain-a-european-cup-champions-league-winning-team/|url-status=live}} Maldini participated in eight Champions League finals during his career, which is equalled only by Francisco Gento of Real Madrid; Maldini lifted the trophy five times, twice as captain. In an interview with ESPN aired prior to the 2007 final, Maldini labeled the 2005 Champions League final as the worst moment of his career. A match where he scored the fastest-ever goal in a European Cup final after 51 seconds and became the oldest player ever to score in a final, Milan lost on penalties to Liverpool after leading 3–0 at half-time. Maldini was elected the UEFA Club Defender of the Year for his 2007 performances.

In 2007, after Milan won the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla (although Maldini did not appear in the match), Maldini became the first European captain to lift the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Boca Juniors on 16 December. He announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2007–08 season, saying that he would do so with "no regrets".{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7146949.stm | title=Maldini to quit at end of season | work=BBC Sport | access-date=17 December 2007 | date=16 December 2007 | archive-date=18 December 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218083916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7146949.stm | url-status=live }} Following Milan's elimination from the Champions League by Arsenal in March, however, Maldini stated that he would possibly delay his retirement for at least a further year.{{cite web | url=http://fourfourtwo.com/news/italy/7633/default.aspx | title=Injured Maldini's career could be over | access-date=16 April 2008 | work=FourFourTwo | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327102702/http://fourfourtwo.com/news/italy/7633/default.aspx | archive-date=27 March 2012 | df=dmy-all }} He signed an extension on 6 June that kept him at Milan for the 2008–09 season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7441109.stm|title=Maldini to play for one more year|date=6 June 2008|publisher=BBC|access-date=3 January 2009|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223170300/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7441109.stm|url-status=live}}

File:PaoloMaldini.jpg

On 16 February 2008, in a match against Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, Maldini came on for defender Marek Jankulovski to make his 1,000th professional career appearance,{{cite web | url = http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2008/02_Febbraio/16/ParmaMilan.shtml | title = Anche il Parma frena il Milan | work = La Gazzetta dello Sport | language = it | date = 16 February 2008 | access-date = 25 April 2008 | archive-date = 13 January 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090113043518/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2008/02_Febbraio/16/ParmaMilan.shtml | url-status = live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/61968|title=1000 Maldini|publisher=AC Milan|access-date=24 July 2014|archive-date=13 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513230320/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/61968|url-status=live}} of which 861 were with Milan, 12 with the Italy under-21 side, 1 with the Italian Olympic team and 126 with the Italy senior team.{{cite web|url=http://it.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=659489.html|title=Maldini mille e una notte|website=UEFA|access-date=24 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720194532/http://it.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=659489.html|archive-date=20 July 2012|df=dmy-all}} In European football, only the English goalkeeper Peter Shilton had collected more appearances at the time: 1,390 between 1966 and 1997. Maldini played his last game in the Champions League on 4 March 2008, a 2–0 loss at the San Siro in the last 16 against Arsenal which eliminated Milan from the 2007–08 Champions League. In 2008, Maldini was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit, as well as the Premio Internazionale Giacinto Facchetti, which is awarded to a player who was demonstrated both skill and fair play throughout his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2008/10/27/Maldini.shtml|title=Maldini come Facchetti "Stile, carisma e fedeltà|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=27 October 2008|access-date=20 January 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100234/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2008/10/27/Maldini.shtml|url-status=live}}

On 18 April 2009, Maldini announced that he would retire at the end of the 2008–09 season. On 17 May 2009, in the Stadio Friuli, Maldini played his 900th official match for Milan in a league game against Udinese. Maldini's last match in San Siro was on 24 May, a 3–2 loss against Roma, and was given a standing ovation by the fans. There was a small controversy, however, when the Milan Ultras fans known as Brigate Rossonere protested against Maldini as he said goodbye.{{cite web | url = http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/05/25/1285122/why-did-milan-ultras-insult-paolo-maldini | title = Why Did Milan Ultras Insult Paolo Maldini? | publisher = goal.com | date = 25 May 2009 | access-date = 16 April 2011 | archive-date = 14 April 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100414011110/http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/05/25/1285122/why-did-milan-ultras-insult-paolo-maldini | url-status = live }}{{cite news|last=Marcotti|first=Gabriele|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/italy/paolo-maldini-farewell-not-so-fond-from-ac-milan-hard-core-m2hzxbnbpqf|title=Paolo Maldini farewell not so fond from A.C. Milan hard core|date=25 May 2009|work=The Times|location=London|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323221907/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/paolo-maldini-farewell-not-so-fond-from-ac-milan-hard-core-m2hzxbnbpqf|url-status=live}} His last appearance for Milan, and his last game as an active player, was a 2–0 win against Fiorentina on 31 May 2009 in the last match of the Serie A season. This win meant Milan finished in third place and qualified for the following season's Champions League. Maldini was once again given a standing ovation by the fans. As they had previously done with Franco Baresi's number 6 shirt, Milan retired Maldini's number 3 shirt, but stated that it will be bequeathed to one of his sons if one of them were to make the club's senior team.{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=96207.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211160318/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=96207.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=11 December 2007 | title=Paolo Maldini: like father, like son | access-date=30 November 2011 | work=FIFA}}{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/article/184399/ | title=The monarch of defence | access-date=6 May 2005 | work=Toronto Star | first=Cathal | last=Kelly | archive-date=14 May 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514061523/http://www.thestar.com/article/184399 | url-status=live }}

On 28 August 2009 in Monte Carlo, Maldini was awarded a prize for his career by UEFA during the draw for the group stage of the 2009–10 Champions League.{{cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/multimedia/multimedia.asp?IDmsezione=11&IDalbum=20175&tipo=FOTOGALLERY|title=Uefa, premio alla carriera per Paolo Maldini|work=La Stampa|language=it|access-date=24 July 2014|archive-date=13 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413185647/http://www1.lastampa.it/multimedia/multimedia.asp?IDmsezione=11&IDalbum=20175&tipo=FOTOGALLERY|url-status=dead}} On 17 November 2009, Spanish sports newspaper Marca awarded Maldini the "Marca Leyenda" prize for his career and achievements.{{cite web|url=http://www.marca.com/2009/11/17/futbol/futbol_internacional/1258450874.html|title=Maldini recibe el MARCA Leyenda|trans-title=Maldini receives the MARCA Leyenda Award|work=Marca|language=es|access-date=24 July 2014|archive-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112234326/https://www.marca.com/2009/11/17/futbol/futbol_internacional/1258450874.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://sport.repubblica.it/news/sport/calcio-milan-a-paolo-maldini-premio-marca-leyenda-a-carriera/3734757|title=Calcio, Milan: a Paolo Maldini premio 'Marca Leyenda' alla carriera|work=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=24 July 2014|archive-date=13 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413201826/http://sport.repubblica.it/news/sport/calcio-milan-a-paolo-maldini-premio-marca-leyenda-a-carriera/3734757|url-status=live}}

File:Maglia di paolo maldini indossata in italia 90, 01.JPG

In 1986, Maldini was called up by his father Cesare Maldini to the Italian under-21 national team, and made his debut for the team on 12 November of that year, in a 0–0 draw against Austria;{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/85323|title=TUTTE LE DATE DI PAOLO MALDINI|date=19 May 2009|website=acmilan.com|language=it|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824093051/https://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/85323|url-status=live}} he earned 12 caps and scored five goals in two years with the azzurrini, with his first goal coming on 11 February 1987, in a 2–1 win against Portugal. Maldini was also member of the under-21 team that finished runners-up to Spain in the 1986 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Two years later, he also featured for the under-21 team that was eliminated in the first round against eventual winners France in the 1988 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/europei-under-21-via-polonia-5-successi-l-italia-1978-ad-oggi-ma-squadra-piu-forte-fu-quella-1986-seconda/nel-1988-vittoria-francese.shtml|title=Europei Under 21 al via in Polonia: 5 successi per l'Italia dal 1978 ad oggi, ma la squadra più forte fu quella del 1986 (seconda): Nel 1988 vittoria francese|work=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|first=Fiorenzo|last=Radogna|date=15 June 2017|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523011125/https://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/europei-under-21-via-polonia-5-successi-l-italia-1978-ad-oggi-ma-squadra-piu-forte-fu-quella-1986-seconda/nel-1988-vittoria-francese.shtml|url-status=live}}

Maldini made his senior debut for the Italy senior team at age 19 on 31 March 1988 in a 1–1 friendly draw against Yugoslavia in Split,{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/85323|title=DOVE C'E' UN ABBRACCIO ...|publisher=www.acmilan.com|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=6 March 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130306142444/http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/85323|url-status=live}} and made one appearance for the Italy Olympic squad on 28 October 1987, although he was not part of the team that finished in fourth place at the 1988 Olympics. Maldini featured in all four of Italy's games at UEFA Euro 1988, where they reached the semi-finals, losing to the Soviet Union.{{cite web|url=https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/nazionali-in-cifre/dettaglio-convocato/?calciatoreId=43165&squadraId=12|title=Nazionale in cifre: Convocazioni e presenze in campo – Maldini, Paolo|publisher=FIGC|language=it|access-date=25 July 2014|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703003410/https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/nazionali-in-cifre/dettaglio-convocato/?calciatoreId=43165&squadraId=12|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.panorama.it/sport/l-italia-agli-europei-3-parte-dal-88-al-96/|title=L'Italia agli Europei 3^ parte (dal '88 al '96)|publisher=Panorama|language=it|first=Dario|last=Pelizzari|date=7 June 2012|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116041453/https://www.panorama.it/sport/l-italia-agli-europei-3-parte-dal-88-al-96/|url-status=live}} In the opening match of the tournament on 10 June, a 1–1 draw against hosts West Germany, he became the youngest player ever to feature for Italy at the UEFA European Championship, at the age of 19 years and 350 days.{{cite web |url=https://fr.uefa.com/euro2024/news/0269-1237d83e7b42-38a7a9ff1ff0-1000--italy-all-their-euro-records-and-stats/ |title=Italy: All their EURO records and stats |publisher=UEFA |date=24 June 2024 |access-date=26 June 2024 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/euro-2024/italia/2024/06/15-129015370/calafiori_secondo_solo_a_maldini_il_record_con_l_italia_all_europeo |title=Calafiori secondo solo a Maldini: il record con l'Italia all'Europeo |work=tuttosport.com |language=it |date=15 June 2024 |access-date=26 June 2024 }}{{cite web |url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7dc3cb35f3-ea089b50f067-1000--euro-1988-pari-italia-con-la-germania/ |title=EURO 1988: pari Italia con la Germania |publisher=UEFA |language=it |date=5 June 2020 |access-date=26 June 2024 }}

Maldini participated in his first World Cup in 1990 on home soil, appearing in all seven Italy matches. He helped Italy to win five consecutive games and was a starting member of the defence that kept a FIFA World Cup record of five consecutive clean sheets. The Italian defence eventually conceded an equalising goal in the semi-final match against Carlos Bilardo's Argentina, after going a World Cup record total of 518 minutes without conceding.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2014/jun/05/internazionale-inter-milan-serie-a-alternative-club-guide|title=Internazionale: Serie A alternative club guide|work=The Guardian|date=5 June 2014|access-date=24 July 2014|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160551/https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2014/jun/05/internazionale-inter-milan-serie-a-alternative-club-guide|url-status=live}} Following two periods of extra time, in which neither team was able to score, Italy lost out to Argentina on penalties. Italy eventually placed third after defeating England 2–1 in the third-place final match, and finishing the tournament with the best defence having conceded two goals throughout the entire World Cup. Maldini was elected to be part of the Team of the Tournament.

Maldini's first international goal came in his 44th career match, in a 2–0 friendly win over Mexico in Florence on 20 January 1993. Maldini was part of the Italy squad that participated in the 1992 U.S. Cup, finishing in second place in the friendly tournament, behind the host nation. Italy failed to qualify for Euro 1992, finishing second in their group, but qualified for the 1994 World Cup, where Maldini was named vice-captain for Italy. During the 1994 World Cup, Maldini played in all seven of Italy's matches, and deputised for the injured Franco Baresi in the matches against Mexico, Nigeria, Spain and Bulgaria, keeping a clean sheet in the group match against Norway. Maldini led the Italian defence to the final, playing both as a centre-back and as a full-back, due to the absences of his Milan and Italy defensive teammates Baresi, due to injury, Mauro Tassotti, due to suspension after the quarter-finals, and Alessandro Costacurta, who was suspended for the final. Maldini helped Italy keep a clean sheet in the final against favourites Brazil as the team eventually lost on penalties. As in 1990, Maldini was named in the Team of the Tournament, 32 years after his father Cesare received the same honour at the 1962 World Cup.

{{Quote box|width=32%|align=right|quote=Italy’s goalkeeper: easiest job in Europe. |source=—Nike slogan accompanied with an image of Maldini which appeared on billboards prior to Euro 96.{{cite news |title=Seven classic Nike football billboards: Eric Cantona, Arsenal, Paolo Maldini… |url=https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/seven-classic-nike-football-billboards-eric-cantona-arsenal-paolo-maldini/ |access-date=18 August 2019 |work=Planet Football |archive-date=18 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818093024/https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/seven-classic-nike-football-billboards-eric-cantona-arsenal-paolo-maldini/ |url-status=live }}}}

After Franco Baresi's international retirement in 1994, Maldini was appointed the team's full-time captain. A disappointing Euro 1996 campaign saw Italy eliminated in the group stage with four points, in a group which contained the two eventual finalists of the tournament, Germany and the Czech Republic. Maldini played in all three of Italy's group matches.

The 1998 World Cup in France saw Italy start strongly, topping their group. Maldini played in all five of Italy's matches, and started the play that led to Christian Vieri's opening goal in Italy's first match against Chile, which ended in a 2–2 draw. Maldini, partnering with Alessandro Costacurta, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta and Giuseppe Bergomi, also helped Italy to keep clean sheets in the second group match against Cameroon, the round of 16 match Norway and France in the quarter-finals, but Italy eventually went out of the tournament to the hosts and eventual champions on penalties, for the third consecutive time in a World Cup.

Maldini made his 100th appearance for Italy on 28 April 1999, in a 0–0 friendly away draw against Croatia, under manager Dino Zoff.{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/nazionale/199904/28/372740fb01b9a/|title=Troppo amichevole|publisher=RaiSport|language=it|date=28 April 1999|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523095345/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/nazionale/199904/28/372740fb01b9a/|archive-date=23 May 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} The following year, Italy reached the final of Euro 2000, but lost once again to defending World Cup champions France in extra time. Maldini played in all six of Italy's matches during the tournament. Italy topped their group, winning every match, and Maldini, starting alongside Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta, helped the Italian defence to concede only two goals en route to the final, keeping clean sheets against co-hosts Belgium in the group stage, Romania in the quarter-finals and co-hosts the Netherlands in the semi-finals. A ten-man Italy advanced to the final on penalties after a 0–0 draw with the Dutch following extra time. Although Maldini missed his penalty, Italy won the shootout 3–1.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/camp_europeo/itasemi/itasemi/itasemi.html|title=Italia, finale da leggenda Olanda spreca e va fuori|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|first=Giancarlo|last=Mola|date=29 June 2000|access-date=18 May 2015|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518185149/http://www.repubblica.it/online/camp_europeo/itasemi/itasemi/itasemi.html|url-status=live}} Italy were leading 1–0 in the final until Sylvain Wiltord equalised in the final minute of stoppage time. David Trezeguet scored the golden goal in the 103rd minute, in extra time.{{cite news|url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/europei-nella-storia/europei-nella-storia-2000.shtml?uuid=9c1964f2-313d-11dd-9186-00000e251029&DocRulesView=Libero|title=2000, Italia battuta in finale. L'Europeo alla Francia|newspaper=Il Sole 24 Ore|language=it|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220235354/http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/europei-nella-storia/europei-nella-storia-2000.shtml?uuid=9c1964f2-313d-11dd-9186-00000e251029&DocRulesView=Libero|url-status=live}} In all of the three UEFA European Championships in which Maldini participated, he was elected to be part of the team of the tournament for his performances.

On 7 October 2000, in a 3–0 win over Romania in Milan in a 2002 World Cup qualifier, Maldini overtook Dino Zoff to become Italy's most capped player of all time with his 113th senior international appearance for Italy.{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200010/08/39dfcfbb06695/|title=Tuttocalcio 7 ottobre|publisher=RaiSport|language=it|date=7 October 2000|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054447/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200010/08/39dfcfbb06695/|archive-date=29 March 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Maldini played in his fourth World Cup, and his second as captain, in the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. He helped Italy keep a clean sheet in their opening win against Ecuador, and played in all four of Italy's matches. Italy disappointed in the remaining group matches, but went on to the knockout round as the second placed team of their group. On 18 June, immediately after a ten-man Italy were controversially eliminated in the round of sixteen, by a golden goal, to co-hosts South Korea, Maldini retired from international football, at the age of 34, as Italy's most capped player. He scored seven international goals, all coming in home games. He spent over half of his 16 years as an international as team captain, wearing the armband a record 74 times,{{cite web | url = http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2011/07/legend-of-calcio-paolo-maldini/ | title = Legend of Calcio: Paolo Maldini | first = Sam | last = Lewis | publisher = forzaitalianfootball.com | date = 28 July 2011 | access-date = 14 September 2011 | archive-date = 29 October 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191029133140/https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2011/07/legend-of-calcio-paolo-maldini/ | url-status = live }} until he was overtaken by Cannavaro, and subsequently Buffon.{{cite web|title=Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio 1934 1938 1982 2006 Press Area Area utente Media Gallery English Feed RSS Seguici FIGC Leghe Club Italia Arbitri News Comunicati Bilanci SGS Sponsor E-Commerce Nazionale in cifre|url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/Capitani?squadra=1|access-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727093751/http://www.figc.it/nazionali/Capitani?squadra=1|archive-date=27 July 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Despite his performances for his country, Maldini was unable to win a trophy, although he reached the final of both the World Cup and the European Championship. Maldini made 23 appearances in World Cups, the third-highest total after Lothar Matthäus, who appeared in 25 matches and Lionel Messi, who appeared in 26 matches. Maldini once held the record for most minutes played at the FIFA World Cup (2,217 minutes), which was also later broken by Messi at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web |title=The international football records Messi owns and is chasing |url=https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/lionel-messi-argentina-records-international-football-world-cup-qualifying |publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=26 June 2024 |date=7 November 2023}}

In February 2009, Italian head coach Marcello Lippi declared his support for a testimonial match for Maldini, stating that it would give him a chance to play for the Azzurri for a final time.{{cite news | url = http://www.repubblica.it/ultimora/sport/CALCIO-LIPPI-SI-A-GARA-ADDIO-MALDINI-MA-NON-CON-BRASILE/news-dettaglio/3532933 | title = Calcio: Lippi: Si' a gara addio Maldini ma non con Brasile | work = La Repubblica | language = it | date = 2 February 2009 | access-date = 3 February 2009 | archive-date = 6 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110606015151/http://www.repubblica.it/ultimora/sport/CALCIO-LIPPI-SI-A-GARA-ADDIO-MALDINI-MA-NON-CON-BRASILE/news-dettaglio/3532933 | url-status = live }} The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) offered him a place in the line-up in a friendly match against Northern Ireland. Maldini, however, rejected the offer, saying that he wanted to part with football in an "official" match.{{cite news | url = http://www.sport.pl/pilka/1,93854,6582362,Paolo_Maldini_nie_chce_pozegnalnego_meczu_w_kadrze.html | title = Paolo Maldini nie chce pożegnalnego meczu w kadrze | publisher = La Gazzetta dello Sport | language = pl | website = sport.pl | date = 7 May 2009 | access-date = 25 May 2009 | archive-date = 10 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120210154013/http://www.sport.pl/pilka/1,93854,6582362,Paolo_Maldini_nie_chce_pozegnalnego_meczu_w_kadrze.html | url-status = live }}

File:Paolo Maldini press conference in Tehran (cropped).jpg

File:Football against poverty 2014 - Paolo Maldini.jpg

Prior to his retirement, Maldini stated that he wouldn't become a coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/05/08/1253863/ac-milan-legend-paolo-maldini-not-keen-on-coaching|title=AC Milan Legend Paolo Maldini Not Keen on Coaching|date=30 June 2009|work=Goal.com|access-date=30 September 2009|archive-date=27 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927090204/http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/05/08/1253863/ac-milan-legend-paolo-maldini-not-keen-on-coaching|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/Primo_Piano/2009/02/13/maldini.shtml|title=Maldini: "I'll win the derby and finish off with the League"|date=30 September 2009|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|access-date=30 September 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722034545/http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/Primo_Piano/2009/02/13/maldini.shtml|archive-date=22 July 2011|df=dmy-all}} He was offered a position that would have reunited him with his former coach Carlo Ancelotti by joining Chelsea as a coach. Maldini had met up with Ancelotti and with Chelsea's owner, Roman Abramovich, to discuss such a possibility.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8098673.stm | work=BBC News | title=Wilkins cool over Maldini rumours | date=18 June 2009 | access-date=27 March 2010 | archive-date=8 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108161852/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8098673.stm | url-status=live }} Ancelotti later revealed that Maldini had turned down the offer.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/5698056/Paolo-Maldini-rejects-Chelsea-coaching-role.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703060139/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/5698056/Paolo-Maldini-rejects-Chelsea-coaching-role.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 July 2009|title=Paolo Maldini rejects Chelsea coaching role|work=The Telegraph|date=30 June 2009|access-date=30 June 2009|location=London}}

In 2012, Maldini was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame. Maldini played in the 11th Match Against Poverty on 4 March 2014 alongside other footballers such as Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, and Pavel Nedvěd, which was held in Bern, Switzerland, with the proceeds being donated to the recovery efforts in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/socialresponsibility/news/newsid=2280055/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307110019/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/socialresponsibility/news/newsid=2280055/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2014 |title=Stars unite for 11th Match Against Poverty |work=FIFA |date=18 February 2014 |access-date=7 October 2014 }}[http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/goodwillambassadors/match_against_poverty/ "Match Against Poverty"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006235451/http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/goodwillambassadors/match_against_poverty/ |date=6 October 2017 }}. United Nations Development Programme. Retrieved 25 September 2014 On 1 September 2014, Maldini, along with other footballers, took part in the "Match for Peace", which was played at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, with the proceeds being donated to charity.{{cite web|url=http://www.matchforpeace.org/?lang=en|title=Interreligious Match for Peace: 1/9/2014|website=matchforpeace.org|access-date=1 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903092935/http://www.matchforpeace.org/?lang=en|archive-date=3 September 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/01-09-2014/calcio-partita-pace-baggio-dinho-eto-o-campo-il-papa-90323482706.shtml?rlabs=1|title=Il Papa a Maradona: "Ti aspettavo". Diego show con Baggio, poi si infuria: "Icardi non doveva giocare"|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=1 September 2014|access-date=1 September 2014|archive-date=3 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903122242/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/01-09-2014/calcio-partita-pace-baggio-dinho-eto-o-campo-il-papa-90323482706.shtml?rlabs=1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.matchforpeace.org/players|title=Match for Peace: Participants|website=matchforpeace.org|access-date=1 September 2014|archive-date=31 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831200028/http://www.matchforpeace.org/players|url-status=live}} In May 2015, Maldini became the co-owner of North American Soccer League (NASL) club Miami FC alongside television rights entrepreneur Riccardo Silva, in hope that the club could join the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the future.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32822317|title=Paolo Maldini launches Miami team to rival David Beckham|publisher=BBC|date=21 May 2015|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524034649/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32822317|url-status=live}} On 1 May 2016, Maldini became the second player after Southampton's Matthew Le Tissier to receive the One Club Award from La Liga club Athletic Bilbao; he was presented with the prize at half-time, during the club's 2–1 home win over Celta de Vigo, and received a standing ovation from the attending fans.{{cite web|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2016/05/01/5726349922601de21c8b45be.html|title=Paolo Maldini receives 'One Club Man' Award from Athletic Club|publisher=Marca.com|first=Lucas|last=Navarrete|date=1 May 2016|access-date=11 May 2016|archive-date=17 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117153347/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2016/05/01/5726349922601de21c8b45be.html|url-status=live}}

In June 2017, Maldini and his tennis partner Stefano Landonio qualified for the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan, a professional tennis tournament on the ATP Challenger Tour, after winning a qualifier in Italy.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/40348565|title=Paolo Maldini: AC Milan & Italy legend qualifies for pro tennis tournament|work=BBC Sport|date=20 June 2017|access-date=21 June 2017|archive-date=22 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622131629/http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/40348565|url-status=live}} They were defeated in the first round by Tomasz Bednarek and David Pel by a score of 6–1, 6–1.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40424320|title=Paolo Maldini: Former Italy defender beaten on pro tennis debut|date=27 June 2017|work=BBC Sport|access-date=28 June 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628161721/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40424320|url-status=live}} After the defeat, Maldini stated that it was his last professional tennis match.[https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/milan-legend-paolo-maldini-quit-professional-tennis-after-one-match “Milan legend Paolo Maldini to quit professional tennis after one match”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818045244/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/milan-legend-paolo-maldini-quit-professional-tennis-after-one-match |date=18 August 2017 }}. FourFourTwo. Retrieved 30 August 2018

In August 2018, a few weeks after Milan's changed their ownership to Elliott Management Corporation, Maldini accepted an offer to become the sporting director for the club. This marked his comeback to the club since his retirement from professional football.{{cite news |url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/media/2018-08-05/paolo-maldini-returns-to-ac-milan |publisher=AC Milan |access-date=13 August 2018 |date=5 August 2018 |title=PAOLO MALDINI RETURNS TO AC MILAN |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528055905/https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/media/2018-08-05/paolo-maldini-returns-to-ac-milan |url-status=live }} On 14 June 2019, Maldini was promoted to technical director.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/139387/official-milan-promote-maldini|title=OFFICIAL: Milan promote Maldini|publisher=Football Italia|date=14 June 2019|access-date=18 June 2019|archive-date=18 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618021749/https://www.football-italia.net/139387/official-milan-promote-maldini|url-status=live}}

Milan won the 2021–22 Serie A title, the first title since 2011, with Maldini helping sign a bunch of key players for the victorious squad, namely Théo Hernandez, Pierre Kalulu, Rafael Leão, Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori, and Mike Maignan,{{cite web |title=AC Milan win Scudetto and Paolo Maldini's front office work further cements his status as a club legend |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/ac-milan-win-scudetto-and-paolo-maldinis-front-office-work-further-cements-his-status-as-a-club-legend/ |website=CBS Sport |date=23 May 2022 |access-date=9 June 2022 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609050610/https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/ac-milan-win-scudetto-and-paolo-maldinis-front-office-work-further-cements-his-status-as-a-club-legend/ |url-status=live }} the latter of which was named the Best Goalkeeper of the 2021–22 season. In addition, Leão was awarded the MVP of the season.

On 1 July 2022, one day after Maldini's contract expired, it was announced that he would remain Milan's technical director for two more years.{{cite web |title=OFFICIAL STATEMENT: PAOLO MALDINI AND FREDERIC MASSARA |url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/media/2022-07-01/official-statement-paolo-maldini-and-frederic-massara |website=ACMILAN |access-date=1 July 2022 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701165220/https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/media/2022-07-01/official-statement-paolo-maldini-and-frederic-massara |url-status=live }} On 17 November 2022, he was recognised as Sporting Director of the Year alongside fellow Milan director Frederic Massara at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards.

On 6 June 2023, Milan terminated his contract.{{cite web |url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/media/2023-06-06/official-statement |title=Official Statement |work=AC Milan |date=6 June 2023 |access-date=7 June 2023 |archive-date=7 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607012527/https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/media/2023-06-06/official-statement |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=AC Milan sack technical director Maldini |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65825912 |access-date=2023-06-06 |archive-date=6 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606201402/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65825912 |url-status=live }}

{{Quote box|width=31%|align=right|quote="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." |source =—Zlatan Ibrahimović.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Ligue-1/05-06-2014/ibrahimovic-ronaldo-fenomeno-non-ci-sara-mai-giocatore-migliore-lui-80846175186.shtml|title=Ibrahimovic: "Ronaldo il Fenomeno, non ci sarà mai un giocatore migliore di lui"|work=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=it|date=5 June 2014|access-date=19 September 2014|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116043036/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Ligue-1/05-06-2014/ibrahimovic-ronaldo-fenomeno-non-ci-sara-mai-giocatore-migliore-lui-80846175186.shtml|url-status=live}}}}

Although he played as a left-back for most of his career, Maldini was right-footed and began playing for Milan as a right-back. He was switched to the left-back position by manager Arrigo Sacchi due to Mauro Tassotti occupying the right side for Milan.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2005/01/12/io-quel-ragazzo-diventato-maldini.html|title=Io, quel ragazzo diventato Maldini|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=12 January 2005|access-date=20 May 2014|archive-date=13 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413171441/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2005/01/12/io-quel-ragazzo-diventato-maldini.html|url-status=live}}

{{Quote box|width=28%|align=left|quote="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 didn't look like a defender, but like an elegant midfield player."|source=—Ronaldinho.{{cite web|url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/champions_league/photogallery/2015/03/06/top_11_champions_ronaldinho.html#4|title=Ronaldinho sceglie la sua top 11: ci sono Maldini e Buffon|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|date=6 March 2015|access-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312080834/http://sport.sky.it/sport/champions_league/photogallery/2015/03/06/top_11_champions_ronaldinho.html#4|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ronaldinho-ream-xi-john-terry-frank-lampard-and-claude-makelele-are-in-as-former-barcelona-superstar-10091010.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ronaldinho-ream-xi-john-terry-frank-lampard-and-claude-makelele-are-in-as-former-barcelona-superstar-10091010.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Ronaldinho dream XI: John Terry, Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele are in as former Barcelona superstar names ideal side |work=The Independent |last1=Sheen |first1=Tom |date=6 March 2015 |access-date=1 June 2020 }}}}

Maldini was renowned for his aerial abilities, sliding tackles, speed, and stamina.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-italy-from-albertini-to-zola-1234117.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-italy-from-albertini-to-zola-1234117.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Football: Italy from Albertini to Zola|work=The Independent|first=Roy|last=Hodgson|authorlink=Roy Hodgson|date=4 October 1997|access-date=24 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/italy-s-maldini-the-great-defender-1.307431|title=Italy's Maldini: The great defender|publisher=CBC Sports|date=20 August 2002|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-date=4 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304120704/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/italy-s-maldini-the-great-defender-1.307431|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1996/01/29/maldini-il-modello-italiano.html|title=MALDINI IL MODELLO ITALIANO|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=29 January 1996|access-date=20 May 2014|archive-date=13 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413181341/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1996/01/29/maldini-il-modello-italiano.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1858000/1858619.stm|title=Paolo Maldini|work=BBC Sport|date=8 May 2002|access-date=4 June 2016|archive-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227102220/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1858000/1858619.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/euro2000/italy/player/Maldini.html|title=Profile: Paolo Maldini|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Ben|last=Radford|date=13 July 2000|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223045331/http://www.espnfc.com/euro2000/italy/player/Maldini.html|url-status=live}} He was also an excellent attacker, as he scored and assisted many goals throughout his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Milan/19-05-2009/paolo-maldini-50422444536.shtml|title=Paolo Maldini Questa volta è davvero|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=19 May 2009|access-date=20 May 2014|archive-date=13 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113230908/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Milan/19-05-2009/paolo-maldini-50422444536.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cinquantamila.it/storyTellerArticolo.php?storyId=0000002263459 |title=GALLI "TUTTI SANNO SEGNARE MA PARARE SOTTO IL SETTE ..." |publisher=www.cinquantamila.it |access-date=22 September 2018 |language=it |first=Alberto |last=Polverosi |date=31 December 2013 |archive-date=23 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923005800/http://www.cinquantamila.it/storyTellerArticolo.php?storyId=0000002263459 |url-status=live }} In the final few years of his career, as he lost speed, he was moved to a centre-back position, where he excelled in relying on his experience, aerial abilities, and tackling to stop attackers.{{cite web | url = http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/9471db52-97bb-11e0-9c37-00144feab49a.html#axzz1ef0SGDMP | title = A football revolution | work = Financial Times | first = Simon | last = Kuper | date = 17 June 2011 | access-date = 25 November 2011 | archive-date = 27 July 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120727223127/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/9471db52-97bb-11e0-9c37-00144feab49a.html#axzz1ef0SGDMP | url-status = live }}

Maldini was renowned for his tactical intelligence and ability to anticipate threats from the opposition.{{cite web|url=http://www.talkfootball.co.uk/guides/football_legends_paolo_maldini.html|title=Paolo Maldini|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217152411/http://www.talkfootball.co.uk/guides/football_legends_paolo_maldini.html|archive-date=17 February 2010|access-date=6 June 2014}} Despite being a precise tackler and an imposing defensive presence, he often avoided committing to challenges when he deemed them unnecessary,{{cite web|url=http://developyourbballiq.com/the-maldini-principle-applied-to-basketball/|title=The Maldini Principle Applied to Basketball|access-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714184449/http://developyourbballiq.com/the-maldini-principle-applied-to-basketball/|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} preferring to restrict the offensive play of his opponents through his positioning and man-marking.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/alex-ferguson-admired-paolo-maldini-2479663|title=Alex Ferguson: I tried to sign Paolo Maldini for Man United but he turned us down|work=The Mirror|date=22 October 2013|access-date=6 June 2014|archive-date=17 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617123501/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/alex-ferguson-admired-paolo-maldini-2479663|url-status=live}} His excellent passing allowed him to play in the sweeper or libero position.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/squad/742271.stm|title=Euro 2000 Player Profile: Paolo Maldini|work=BBC News|access-date=19 July 2014|archive-date=7 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507025017/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/squad/742271.stm|url-status=live}}

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="I always found it very difficult when I came up against Paolo Maldini. He was the best defender I faced over the course of my career. He definitely deserved to win the award FIFA World Player of the Year several times over." |source =—Ronaldo{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/news/detail/item886333/|title=Ronaldo: Maldini was world's best|work=Fox Sports|access-date=20 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521031414/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/news/detail/item886333/|archive-date=21 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}}}

Maldini is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time and is referred to as "an icon and gentleman of the game".{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/bonucci-classifica-migliori_principale.shtml|title=Il volo di Bonucci e la classifica degli 8 migliori difensori italiani di sempre|work=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|first=Mario|last=Sconcerti|date=23 November 2016|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023090402/https://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/bonucci-classifica-migliori_principale.shtml|url-status=live}} He was known for his calm and composed manner on the pitch, his ability to read the game, and his discipline on the pitch, as he only received three red cards throughout his entire career.{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2003/09/02/stato-lui-cominciare-no-hanno.html?refresh_ce|title=è stato lui a cominciare No, l' hanno provocato|language=it|work=La Repubblica|date=2 September 2003|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121233222/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2003/09/02/stato-lui-cominciare-no-hanno.html?refresh_ce|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/45345/carles-puyols-letter-to-paolo-maldini/ |title=Carles Puyol's Letter to Paolo Maldini |publisher=Insidespanishfootball.com |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103013655/http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/45345/carles-puyols-letter-to-paolo-maldini/ |archive-date=3 November 2013 |df=dmy-all }} In a 2002 FIFA poll, Maldini was named in the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=11759|title=FIFA DREAM TEAM: Maradona voted top player|agency=Reuters|date=19 June 2002|access-date=12 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006001949/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=11759|archive-date=6 October 2012|url-status=dead}}

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Paolo Maldini. When you found him in front of you you knew you would not pass. He was big. He was strong with his head, with his right foot, with his left foot... You needed to put together 15 players to make one like him." |source =—Roberto Baggio in 2017, when he was asked who was the best defender he had ever faced.{{cite web|url=https://www.pianetamilan.it/rassegna/baggio-maldini-il-difensore-piu-forte-avrei-voluto-giocare-con-van-basten/|title=Baggio: "Maldini il difensore più forte. Avrei voluto giocare con Van Basten"|publisher=Pianeta Milan|language=it|last=Fazzini|first=Luca|date=24 July 2017|access-date=4 November 2019|archive-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104231604/https://www.pianetamilan.it/rassegna/baggio-maldini-il-difensore-piu-forte-avrei-voluto-giocare-con-van-basten/|url-status=dead}}}}

File:Jerseys of Paolo Maldini & Dejan Savicevic.jpg's number 10 in the San Siro museum]]

Maldini was the first defender to be shortlisted for the FIFA World Player of the Year award, finishing second in 1995.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fifa-ballon-dor-andres-iniesta-and-the-best-players-never-to-win-the-award-8444396.html?action=gallery&ino=8|title=FIFA BALLON D'OR: ANDRES INIESTA AND THE BEST PLAYERS NEVER TO WIN THE AWARD|work=The Independent|date=10 January 2013|access-date=20 May 2014|archive-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521033615/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fifa-ballon-dor-andres-iniesta-and-the-best-players-never-to-win-the-award-8444396.html?action=gallery&ino=8|url-status=live}} He also finished third in the Ballon d'Or rankings in 1994 and in 2003. In addition to his team success, he also won many individual awards, including the UEFA Defender of the Year, the Serie A Defender of the Year, the Bravo Award, and the World Soccer Player of the Year. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year, the FIFPro World XI, the World Cup Team of the Tournament, and the European Championship Team of the Tournament during his career. He was also renowned for his longevity, as he became a starter for Milan as a teenager and remained as a starter until his retirement at the age of 41.{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Amy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/22/paolo-maldini-ac-milan-retirement |title=Paolo Maldini the one and only bows out after 25 seasons at Milan |work=theguardian.com |date=22 May 2009 |access-date=22 December 2013 |archive-date=14 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214123521/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/22/paolo-maldini-ac-milan-retirement |url-status=live }}

Throughout his career, Maldini was also a leader and captain for Milan and for the Italy national team, earning the nickname "Il Capitano" ("The Captain").[http://www.goal.com/en-india/slideshow/7642/7 "7. Paolo Maldini: AC Milan (1984-2009)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405111044/http://www.goal.com/en-india/slideshow/7642/7 |date=5 April 2015 }}. Goal.com. Retrieved 6 February 2015 He was renowned for his vocal and commanding presence on the pitch and his ability to motivate his teammates and ensure they remained in position. He made over 1,000 professional appearances and he held the record for appearances in Serie A, until he was surpassed by Gianluigi Buffon in 2020, and he still holds this record for Milan in all competitions. Maldini also appeared in a joint-record eight European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals. With 126 caps for Italy, he held the record for appearances with the national team, until he was surpassed by Fabio Cannavaro in 2009 and by Gianluigi Buffon in 2013. He also held the record for appearances as Italy's captain (75),{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174730/index.html|title=FIFA Classic Player: Paolo Maldini, an icon and a gentleman|publisher=FIFA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522003925/https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174730/index.html|archive-date=22 May 2012|access-date=22 December 2013}} until again being surpassed by Cannavaro.{{cite web|url=http://www.fondazionecannavaroferrara.it/fondatori?lang=en|title=Founders: Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=Fondazione Cannavaro-Ferrara|language=it|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602192338/http://www.fondazionecannavaroferrara.it/fondatori?lang=en|url-status=live}} Maldini has inspired many defenders like Rio Ferdinand, Rafael Márquez and Carles Puyol.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/english-football/2009/04/11/1203779/manchester-uniteds-rio-ferdinand-id-like-to-emulate-milans-paolo-|title=MANCHESTER UNITED'S RIO FERDINAND : I'D LIKE TO EMULATE MILAN'S PAOLO MALDINI|publisher=goal.com|date=11 April 2009|access-date=15 January 2018|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124800/http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/english-football/2009/04/11/1203779/manchester-uniteds-rio-ferdinand-id-like-to-emulate-milans-paolo-|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://m.mediotiempo.com//futbol/internacional/noticias/2014/08/08/el-dinero-no-fue-importante-rafael-marquez|title=El dinero no fue importante: Rafael Márquez|publisher=mediotempo.com|date=8 August 2014|language=es|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701040317/http://m.mediotiempo.com//futbol/internacional/noticias/2014/08/08/el-dinero-no-fue-importante-rafael-marquez|archive-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/45345/carles-puyols-letter-to-paolo-maldini/|title=Carles Puyol's Letter to Paolo Maldini|date=20 February 2013|publisher=Inside Spanish Football|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103013655/http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/45345/carles-puyols-letter-to-paolo-maldini/|archive-date=3 November 2013|df=dmy-all}}

Maldini has appeared in commercials for American sportswear company Nike.{{cite news|url=http://nikego.com/media/pr/2006/04/17_jogaTV.html|title=Nike and Maven Networks Introduce JogaTV|work=Nikego|publisher=Nike|date=17 April 2006|access-date=21 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130024001/http://nikego.com/media/pr/2006/04/17_jogaTV.html|archive-date=30 January 2013|df=dmy-all}} He wore Nike Tiempo football boots at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbible.com/news/football-boots/archive/2009/10/20/nike-tiempo-94-football-boots.aspx|title=Nike Tiempo 94 Football Boots (n.d.)|work=SoccerBible|access-date=10 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007011612/http://www.soccerbible.com/news/football-boots/archive/2009/10/20/nike-tiempo-94-football-boots.aspx|archive-date=7 October 2011|df=dmy-all}} In 1996, he starred in a Nike commercial titled "Good vs Evil" in a gladiatorial game set in a Roman amphitheatre. Appearing alongside other footballers such as Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, Luís Figo, Patrick Kluivert, and Jorge Campos, they defend "the beautiful game" against a team of demonic warriors. Maldini states, "Maybe they're friendly?" before they begin "destroying evil", with Cantona striking the ball at the warriors.{{cite book|last1=Jackson|first1=Steven J.|title=Sport, Culture and Advertising: Identities, Commodities and the Politics of Representation|date=10 November 2004|publisher=Routledge|page=186}}

Maldini has featured in EA Sports' FIFA video game series; he was on the cover of the Italian edition of FIFA: Road to World Cup 98{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesblog.it/post/6823/langolo-della-nostalgia-fifa-international-soccer|title=L'angolo della nostalgia: FIFA International Soccer|website=gamesblog.it|first=Marco|last=Bellucci|language=it|date=24 February 2008|access-date=17 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121139/http://www.gamesblog.it/post/6823/langolo-della-nostalgia-fifa-international-soccer|url-status=live}} and was an Ultimate Team Legend in FIFA 14.{{cite web|url=https://www.easports.com/fifa/news/2014/fut-legends-spotlight|title=FIFA 14 Ultimate Team Legends Spotlight: Paolo Maldini|publisher=EA Sports|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206111248/https://www.easports.com/fifa/news/2014/fut-legends-spotlight|url-status=live}}

Maldini was born on 26 June 1968 in Milan to Cesare Maldini and Maria Luisa De Mezzi.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Milan/29-07-2016/maldini-ultimo-ricordo-mamma-marisa-la-roccia-famiglia-160523754385.shtml|title=Maldini, l'ultimo ricordo di mamma Marisa: "Eri la roccia della famiglia"|website=gazzetta.it|language=it|access-date=2020-03-23|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323221906/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Milan/29-07-2016/maldini-ultimo-ricordo-mamma-marisa-la-roccia-famiglia-160523754385.shtml|url-status=live}} In December 1994, he married Venezuelan former model Adriana Fossa.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/dicembre/14/Paolo_bello_sposa_co_0_94121414740.shtml |title=Paolo il bello si sposa |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |page=40 |language=it |date=14 December 1994 |access-date=14 June 2010 |archive-date=1 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101000000/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/dicembre/14/Paolo_bello_sposa_co_0_94121414740.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://cinquantamila.corriere.it/storyTellerThread.php?threadId=MALDINI%20Paolo|title=Biografia di Paolo Maldini|publisher=cinquantamila.corriere.it|language=it|first=Massimiliano|last=Bonino|date=9 May 2014|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523095707/http://cinquantamila.corriere.it/storyTellerThread.php?threadId=MALDINI|url-status=live}} The couple have two sons, Christian (born 14 June 1996) and Daniel (born 11 October 2001),{{cite web |url=http://www.fondazioneitaliani.it/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1311 |title=Paolo Maldini, quando il calcio diventa mitologia |first=Andrea |last=Camboni |publisher=Fondazione Italiani |language=it |date=15 July 2008 |access-date=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722033910/http://www.fondazioneitaliani.it/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1311 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }} who both played for AC Milan's youth teams.{{cite web |url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/youth_teams_roster/538/players |title=Primavera squad |work=acmilan.com |publisher=Associazione Calcio Milan |access-date=1 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229063319/http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/youth_teams_roster/538/players |archive-date=29 December 2011 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/youth_teams_roster/544/players |title=Giovanissmi Regionali B squad |work=acmilan.com Associazione Calcio Milan |language=it |access-date=1 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613135422/http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/youth_teams_roster/544/players |archive-date=13 June 2013 |df=dmy-all }} His father Cesare played as a defender and also captained Milan and the Italy national team. Cesare then became a coach and coached his son in the Italy under-21 side, the Italy senior team, and the Milan senior team.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-17-sp-60745-story.html|title=Player's Father Always Interferes With Italy's Coach|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Helene|last=Elliott|access-date=30 January 2016|date=17 June 1998|archive-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129163922/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jun/17/sports/sp-60745|url-status=live}} On 3 April 2016, Cesare died at the age of 84;{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/y=2016/m=4/news=former-italy-head-coach-cesare-maldini-dies-aged-84-2779347.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news_top|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416115124/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2016/m=4/news=former-italy-head-coach-cesare-maldini-dies-aged-84-2779347.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news_top|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 April 2016|title=Former Italy head coach Cesare Maldini dies aged 84|publisher=FIFA|date=3 April 2016|access-date=3 April 2016}} his wife died on 28 July 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/club/2016-07-28/today-marisa-maldini-passed-away|title=Today Marisa Maldini passed away|publisher=AC Milan|date=28 July 2016|access-date=28 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809054012/http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/club/2016-07-28/today-marisa-maldini-passed-away|archive-date=9 August 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

Maldini and his former teammate Christian Vieri run a fashion brand named Sweet Years.{{cite web |url=http://www.ansa.it/canale_lifestyle/notizie/moda/2018/03/29/sweet-years-15-anni-con-sport-milano_c5009cf5-f22c-438e-b8da-5a66330eddea.html |title=Sweet Years, 15 anni con Sport Milano |publisher=Ansa |language=it |date=29 March 2018 |access-date=20 January 2019 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116043128/http://www.ansa.it/canale_lifestyle/notizie/moda/2018/03/29/sweet-years-15-anni-con-sport-milano_c5009cf5-f22c-438e-b8da-5a66330eddea.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2004/02/26/ristoranti-discoteche-il-pallone-non-si-ferma.html |title=Ristoranti e discoteche, il pallone non si ferma neppure la notte |newspaper=La Repubblica |first=Paolo |last=Berizzi |language=it |date=26 February 2004 |access-date=20 January 2019 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116041455/https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2004/02/26/ristoranti-discoteche-il-pallone-non-si-ferma.html |url-status=live }}

Maldini is a Roman Catholic.{{cite book |last1=Dell'Arti |first1=Giorgio |last2=Parrini |first2=Massimo |chapter=MALDINI Paolo |title=Catalogo dei viventi 2009: 7247 italiani notevoli con l'indice di tutti i nomi citati |language=it |location=Venice |publisher=Marsilio |year=2008 |isbn=978-88-317-9599-9 |page=1038}}

{{note|1}}European competitions include the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup

{{note|2}}Other tournaments include the Supercoppa Italiana, European/UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup and FIFA Club World Cup

{{note|3}}Play-off for UEFA Cup admission

{{note|4}}Played in the Torneo Estivo del 1986

:Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Maldini goal.

AC Milan{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/br_60718|title=26 GIUGNO 2013: IL COMPLEANNO DI PAOLO MALDINI, AUGURI!|publisher=acmilan.com|language=it|date=26 June 2014|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116041501/https://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/br_60718|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Paolo Maldini|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=81624.html|publisher=Union of European Football Associations|access-date=9 July 2015|archive-date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228143306/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=81624.html|url-status=dead}}

• Serie A: 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04
• Coppa Italia: 2002–03
• Supercoppa Italiana: 1992, 1993, 2004
• European Cup/UEFA Champions League: 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94, 2002–03, 2006–07; runner-up: 1992–93, 1994–95, 2004–05
• European/UEFA Super Cup: 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003
• Intercontinental Cup: 1989, 1990
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2007

Italy U21

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 1986{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/under21/match/71604--italy-vs-spain/|title=Italia 2-1 Spagna|publisher=UEFA|language=it|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707123229/https://it.uefa.com/under21/season=1986/matches/round=1733/match=71604/index.html|url-status=live}}

Italy{{cite web|url=http://vivoazzurro.it/news/100-presenze-azzurre-paolo-maldini/?lang=enhttp%3A%2F%2Fvivoazzurro.it%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fhappy-23rd-birthday-federico-bernardeschi%2F%3Flang%3Den|title=100 presenze Azzurre: Paolo Maldini|publisher=vivoazzurro.it|language=it|date=6 October 2011|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523100816/http://vivoazzurro.it/news/100-presenze-azzurre-paolo-maldini/?lang=enhttp%3A%2F%2Fvivoazzurro.it%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fhappy-23rd-birthday-federico-bernardeschi%2F%3Flang%3Den|url-status=live}}

• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1994; third place 1990{{cite web|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2009/02/03/maldini.shtml|title=Maldini e l'addio all'Italia "Giocherei un'ultima volta"|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=3 February 2009|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523011609/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2009/02/03/maldini.shtml|url-status=live}}
• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2000
• Scania 100 Tournament: 1991[https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2016/09/tournaments-part-6-scania-100-1991.html?m=1 Tournaments-Part 6 – Scania 100 (1991)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125175228/https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2016/09/tournaments-part-6-scania-100-1991.html?m=1 |date=25 November 2023 }} Soccer Nostalgia. Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Individual

• Serie A Team of The Year: 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993{{cite web|url=https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/serie-a-guerin-sportivo-1980-1991-every-game-with-player-ratings.2085771/ |website=BigSoccer |title=Guerin Sportivo Serie A Team of the Year|access-date=30 September 2024}}
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 1988, 1996, 2000
• Bravo Award: 1989{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html|title=The "Bravo" Award|website=RSSSF|access-date=26 June 2015|archive-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701223750/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html|url-status=live}}
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1990, 1994{{cite web|url=http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html |title=FIFA World Cup Awards: All-Star Team |access-date=22 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630203237/http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}
• Ballon d'Or third place: 1994,{{cite web|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/news/1994-hristo-stoichkov/423455|title=FPALMARÈS BALLON D'OR – 1994 - Hristo Stoichkov|access-date=10 July 2015|publisher=Francefootball|archive-date=22 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122230133/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/1994-hristo-stoichkov/423455|url-status=live}} 2003{{cite web|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/news/2003-paval-nedved/423478|title=FPALMARÈS BALLON D'OR – Nedved, une domination sans partage|publisher=Francefootball|access-date=10 July 2015|archive-date=22 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122230152/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/2003-paval-nedved/423478|url-status=live}}
• World Soccer Player of the Year: 1994{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/world-soccer-awards-previous-winners-2 |title=World Soccer Awards – previous winners |publisher=World Soccer |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=9 July 2015 |archive-date=31 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031212723/http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/world-soccer-awards-previous-winners-2 |url-status=live }}
• El País European Player of the Year: 1994{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sam-eupoy.html|title=European Player and Team of the Year|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-07-22|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202070931/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sam-eupoy.html|url-status=live}}
• ESM Team of the Year: 1994–95, 1995–96, 1999–00, 2002–03{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |title=ESM XI |first=Karel |last=Stokkermans |date=14 March 2007 |access-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=live |website=RSSSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207144925/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |archive-date= 7 February 2016 }}
• FIFA World Player of the Year silver award: 1995{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/archive/edition=1995/overview.html |title=Weah crowned in Milan |publisher=FIFA |access-date=21 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712145337/http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/archive/edition%3D1995/overview.html |archive-date=12 July 2015 }}
• Onze de Bronze: 1995{{cite web|last=Pierrend |first=José Luis |title="Onze Mondial" Awards |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=6 March 2012 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/onze-awards.html |access-date=26 December 2015}}
• Onze de Onze: 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2003
• Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": 2002
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2002{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=11759|title=FIFA DREAM TEAM: Maradona voted top player|agency=Reuters|date=19 June 2002|access-date=29 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006001949/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=11759|archive-date=6 October 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/wrldallt.html|title=World All-Time Teams|website=RSSSF|access-date=29 December 2015|archive-date=22 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122104208/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/wrldallt.html|url-status=live}}
• FIFA XI: 2002{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html |title=FIFA XI´s Matches – Full Info |access-date=12 December 2015 |url-status=live |website=RSSSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033752/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html |archive-date=17 November 2015 }}
• UEFA Champions League final Man of the Match: 2003
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2003, 2005
• UEFA President's Award: 2003{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.org/uefa-best-player-award/news/newsid=2050865.html|title=UEFA President's Award|publisher=UEFA|date=2 January 2014|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-date=10 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210131010/http://www.uefa.org/uefa-best-player-award/news/newsid=2050865.html|url-status=live}}
• Serie A Defender of the Year: 2004{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2005/a/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/5premi/5premi/5premi.html|title=Oscar Aic, rossoneri superstar Kakà e gli altri, 2004 da ricordare|trans-title=Aic Oscars, rossoneri superstar Kakà and the others, a 2004 to remember|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=24 January 2005|access-date=29 December 2015|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518191553/http://www.repubblica.it/2005/a/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/5premi/5premi/5premi.html|url-status=live}}
• FIFA 100{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2374252/Pele-open-to-ridicule-over-top-hundred.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2374252/Pele-open-to-ridicule-over-top-hundred.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Pele open to ridicule over top hundred|work=The Telegraph|first=Christopher|last=Davies|date=5 March 2004|access-date=9 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}
• UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll: #10{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=163575.html#maldini+opens|title=12-10: Maldini opens top ten|publisher=UEFA|date=6 April 2004|access-date=27 January 2016|archive-date=11 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611014956/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=163575.html#maldini+opens|url-status=dead}}
• FIFPro World XI: 2005{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2004-2005|title=FIFPro WOrld XI 2004/2005|publisher=FIFPro|date=20 August 2005|access-date=29 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701201129/http://fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2004-2005|archive-date=1 July 2014|url-status=dead}}
• UEFA Club Defender of the Year: 2007
• AFS Top-100 Players of All-Time: 15th(2007){{Cite web|title=AFS Top-100 Players of All-Time|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/afstop100.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=RSSSF|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530051331/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/afstop100.html|url-status=live}}
• Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti: 2008
• FIFA Order of Merit: 2008{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/r&a-awards/01/20/85/43/170490-factsheet-fifaorderofmerit%281984-2010%29_neutral.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002174800/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/r%26a-awards/01/20/85/43/170490-factsheet-fifaorderofmerit%281984-2010%29_neutral.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 October 2013|title=FIFA Order of Merit and Centennial Award|publisher=FIFA|access-date=21 January 2015}}
• UEFA Champions League Achievement Award: 2009{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2009/08/27/1464977/ac-milan-legend-paolo-maldini-given-special-achievement|title=AC Milan Legend Paolo Maldini Given Special Achievement Award From UEFA|access-date=9 July 2015|publisher=Goal.com|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116044111/https://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2009/08/27/1464977/ac-milan-legend-paolo-maldini-given-special-achievement|url-status=live}}
• Marca Leyenda: 2009
• Sports Illustrated Team of the Decade: 2009{{cite magazine|last=Wahl|first=Grant|authorlink=Grant Wahl|title=2000s: The Decade in Sports; All-Decade Team: Soccer|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/soccer.decade.team/index.html|date=December 21, 2009|access-date=30 August 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113202936/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/soccer.decade.team/index.html|archive-date=November 13, 2012}}
• ESPN World Team of the Decade: 2009{{cite news|last=Brewin|first=John|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|title=World Team of the Decade|date=25 December 2009|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801044740/http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|url-status=live}}
• Inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/49563|title=BARESI, CAPELLO AND RIVERA ACCEPTED IN HALL OF FAME|publisher=AC Milan|date=26 November 2013|access-date=20 April 2015|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108004626/http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/49563|url-status=live}}
• World Soccer Greatest XI of all time: 2013{{cite journal |url=http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted-341427 |title=The Greatest |journal=World Soccer |first=Jamie |last=Rainbow |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=13 September 2015 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930122457/http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted-341427 |url-status=live }}
• World Soccer The Greatest Players of the 20th century: #21{{cite web|url=http://www.topendsports.com/world/lists/greatest-all-time/soccer-worldsoccer100.htm|title=World Soccer 100 Players of the Century|website=topendsports.com|access-date=10 April 2015|archive-date=16 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416030000/http://www.topendsports.com/world/lists/greatest-all-time/soccer-worldsoccer100.htm|url-status=live}}
• One Club Man Award: 2016{{cite news|url=https://www.athletic-club.eus/en/news/16701/paolo-maldini-at-san-mames.html|title=Paolo Maldini at San Mamés|publisher=Athletic Bilbao|date=1 May 2016|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511215924/https://www.athletic-club.eus/en/news/16701/paolo-maldini-at-san-mames.html|url-status=live}}
• UEFA Euro All-time XI{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813794a987-97623277ab50-1000--your-all-time-euro-11-revealed/|title=Your All-time EURO 11 revealed|publisher=UEFA|date=7 June 2016|access-date=8 June 2016|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626232029/https://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=2371381.html|url-status=live}}
• AC Milan Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Walk of Fame of Italian sport: 2018{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/12-03-2018/walk-of-fame-maldini-rosolino-ecco-5-nuovi-campioni-250874920602.shtml|title=Walk of fame: da Maldini a Rosolino. Ecco i 5 nuovi campioni|date=12 March 2018|publisher=gazzetta.it|language=it|access-date=11 October 2018|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116042919/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/12-03-2018/walk-of-fame-maldini-rosolino-ecco-5-nuovi-campioni-250874920602.shtml|url-status=live}}
• Gazzetta Sports Awards – Legend: 2018{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Sport-Vari/04-12-2018/gazzetta-sports-awards-2018-premiazione-sportivi-anno-310980454325.shtml |title=Gazzetta Sports Awards 2018: Tortu è l'Uomo dell'anno, bis per la Goggia. ItalVolley femminile, squadra top |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |date=4 December 2018 |access-date=5 December 2018 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801163639/https://www.gazzetta.it/Sport-Vari/04-12-2018/gazzetta-sports-awards-2018-premiazione-sportivi-anno-310980454325.shtml |url-status=live }}
• Ballon d'Or Dream Team: 2020{{cite web |last=Crépin |first=Timothé |title=Ballon d'Or Dream Team : Découvrez les révélations de ce onze de légende ! |url=https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Ballon-d-or-dream-team-decouvrez-les-revelations-de-ce-onze-de-legende/1205748 |website=France Football |language=fr |date=14 December 2020 |access-date=14 December 2020 |archive-date=14 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214170517/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Ballon-d-or-dream-team-decouvrez-les-revelations-de-ce-onze-de-legende/1205748 |url-status=live }}
• IFFHS All-time Men's Dream Team: 2021{{cite web |url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1110 |title=IFFHS ALL TIME WORLD MEN'S DREAM TEAM |work=IFFHS |date=22 May 2021 |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213838/https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1110 |url-status=live }}
• Globe Soccer Awards Sporting Director of the Year: 2022{{Cite news |last=Bettoni |first=Lorenzo |date=17 November 2022 |title=Globe Soccer Awards: all the winners – Maldini, Osimhen, Ibra, Ancelotti, Salah and more |work=Football Italia |url=https://football-italia.net/globe-soccer-awards-all-the-winners-maldini-osimhen-ibra-ancelotti-salah-and-more/ |access-date=18 November 2022 |archive-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118105308/https://football-italia.net/globe-soccer-awards-all-the-winners-maldini-osimhen-ibra-ancelotti-salah-and-more/ |url-status=live }}

Records

• Most appearances in all competitions (Milan): 902
• Second-most Serie A appearances (only Serie A regular-seasons): 647
• Most league appearances for Milan (only Serie A regular-seasons): 647
• Most league appearances for the same club (Milan) (only Serie A regular-seasons): 647
• Most seasons played in Serie A: 25 (shared with Francesco Totti)
• Most seasons played in Serie A for the same club (Milan): 25 (shared with Francesco Totti for Roma)
• Third-most UEFA club competitions appearances: 174{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juve-ronaldo-raggiunge-maldini-174-presenze-nelle-competizioni-u-90376 |title=Juve, Ronaldo raggiunge Maldini: 174 presenze nelle competizioni Uefa. Al primo posto... |publisher=www.calciomercato.com |language=it |date=6 November 2019 |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614225024/https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juve-ronaldo-raggiunge-maldini-174-presenze-nelle-competizioni-u-90376 |url-status=live }}
• Most UEFA club competitions appearances for Milan: 174
• Most UEFA club competitions appearances for the same club (Milan): 174
• Most European competitions appearances: 168
• Most European competitions appearances for AC Milan: 168
• Most UEFA Champions League appearances for AC Milan: 139
• Most finals played in UEFA Champions League – 8 (shared with Francisco Gento)
• Longest-serving player (Milan): 24 years and 132 days (from 20 January 1985 to 31 May 2009)
• Most FIFA World Cup appearances for Italy: 23{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/static/speciale/2010/sudafrica/nazionale/record.html|title=Record e Curiosità|trans-title=Records and Trivia|work=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=6 May 2016|archive-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326173833/http://www.repubblica.it/static/speciale/2010/sudafrica/nazionale/record.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/static/speciale/2010/sudafrica/storia/record-individuali.html|title=Presenze|trans-title=Appearances|publisher=la Repubblica|language=it|access-date=3 May 2016|archive-date=10 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510084640/http://www.repubblica.it/static/speciale/2010/sudafrica/storia/record-individuali.html|url-status=live}}
• Record of minutes played in the World Cups: 2216{{cite web |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/luglio/21/Maldini_atto_accusa_del_capitano_co_0_0207211001.shtml |title=Maldini, l' atto di accusa del capitano |publisher=CORRIERE DELLA SERA |access-date=22 August 2012 |language=it |archive-date=1 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101000000/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/luglio/21/Maldini_atto_accusa_del_capitano_co_0_0207211001.shtml |url-status=live }}
• Fastest goal scored in UEFA Champions League/European Cup final history: 50 seconds, 2005
• Oldest player to score a goal in UEFA Champions League/European Cup final history: aged 36 years and 333 days, playing for Milan against Liverpool, 2005
• Most European/UEFA Super Cup titles: (shared with Dani Alves) (1989, 1990, 1994, 2003){{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/022d-0e9458554d19-9e9caf57a328-1000--reyes-s-fifth-win-top-uefa-club-cup-winners/|title=Reyes's fifth win: top UEFA club cup winners|publisher=UEFA|first=Paul|last=Saffer|date=18 May 2016|access-date=19 May 2016|archive-date=14 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714015925/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2363877.html|url-status=live}}
• Most European/UEFA Super Cup final appearances: (shared with Dani Alves) (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 2003){{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c510ba00646-f15169f40a5f-1000--messi-alves-among-super-cup-record-breakers/|title=Messi, Alves among Super Cup record-breakers|last=UEFA.com|website=UEFA|date=11 August 2015|language=en|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205114043/https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c510ba00646-f15169f40a5f-1000--messi-alves-among-super-cup-record-breakers/?referrer=%2fuefasupercup%2fnews%2fnewsid%3d2271025|url-status=live}}
• Second-most career club appearances by an Italian player: 902{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142400 |title=Juventus 2 - 1 Verona |publisher=Football Italia |date=21 September 2019 |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127180015/https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142400 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/09/28/cristiano-ronaldo-goal-gianluigi-buffon-makes-history-for-juventus |title=Cristiano Ronaldo, Miralem Pjanic Score as Juventus beats SPAL |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=28 September 2019 |access-date=28 September 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928201702/https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/09/28/cristiano-ronaldo-goal-gianluigi-buffon-makes-history-for-juventus |url-status=live }}
• Most appearances for a single Italian club: 902 (with Milan){{cite web |url=https://www.football-stadiums.co.uk/articles/one-club-football-players/ |title=One Club Football Players |date=20 May 2016 |publisher=www.football-stadiums.co.uk |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227081541/https://www.football-stadiums.co.uk/articles/one-club-football-players/ |url-status=live }}

Orders

:File:Ufficiale OMRI BAR.svg 4th Class / Officer: Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 2000{{cite web| url = http://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/DettaglioDecorato.asp?idprogressivo=77622&iddecorato=77131| title= Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana| access-date =20 October 2008 |language=it |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206015759/http://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/DettaglioDecorato.asp?idprogressivo=77622&iddecorato=77131 |archive-date=6 December 2008}}

:File:Cavaliere OMRI BAR.svg 5th Class / Knight: Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 1991{{cite web| url= http://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/DettaglioDecorato.asp?idprogressivo=212432&iddecorato=211861| language = it | title= Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana| access-date =20 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206015714/http://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/DettaglioDecorato.asp?idprogressivo=212432&iddecorato=211861 |archive-date=6 December 2008}}

{{notelist}}

• List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of men's footballers with the most official appearances
• List of one-club men in association football

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{TuttoCalciatori|Maldini_Paolo}}
• [http://aic.football.it/scheda/142/maldini-paolo.htm Profile at AIC] {{in lang|it}}
• [http://www.legaseriea.it/it/giocatori/paolo-maldini/MALPA Profile at LegaSerieA.it] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023230539/http://www.legaseriea.it/it/giocatori/paolo-maldini/MALPA |date=23 October 2018 }} {{in lang|it}}
• [https://www.acmilan.com/en/club/hall-of-fame/players/paolo-maldini Hall of Fame Profile at acmilan.com] {{in lang|it|en}}
• [https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/nazionali-in-cifre/dettaglio-convocato/?calciatoreId=43165&squadraId=12 Profile at FIGC] {{in lang|it}}
• [http://www.italia1910.com/giocatori-scheda.asp?idgiocatore=380&st=All&ty=TabGen Profile at Italia1910.com] {{in lang|it}}

{{Navboxes

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{{Italy squad UEFA Euro 1988}}

{{Italy squad 1990 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Italy squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Italy squad UEFA Euro 1996}}

{{Italy squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Italy squad UEFA Euro 2000}}

{{Italy squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{1990 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}

{{1994 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA Euro 1988 Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA Euro 1996 Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament}}

{{FIFA Club World Cup winning captains}}

{{UEFA Champions League Winning Captains}}

{{UEFA Super Cup winning captains}}

{{UEFA Club Football Awards}}

{{Serie A Defender of the Year}}

{{Premio Scirea}}

{{Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti}}

{{Bravo award winners}}

{{2005 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2003 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2005 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{FIFA 100}}

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{{FIFA World Cup Dream Team}}

{{Sports Illustrated Soccer 2000s All-Decade Team}}

{{All-time Euro XI}}

{{Ballon d'Or Dream Team}}

{{IFFHS All-time Men's World Dream Team}}

{{IFFHS All-time Men's European Dream Team}}

{{One Club Player Award}}

{{UEFA President's Award}}

{{Golden Foot Legends Award}}

{{Italian Football Hall of Fame}}

{{Walk of Fame of Italian sport}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maldini, Paolo}}

Category:1968 births

Category:Living people

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Category:Footballers from Milan

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Category:Italian men's footballers

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Category:Officers of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

Paolo

Category:Association football people awarded knighthoods

Category:Association football players with retired numbers

Category:20th-century Italian sportsmen

Category:Italian Roman Catholics