Iconic, legendary, brilliant…Maldini
“When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top-level. Zidane was brilliant but without a doubt, Paolo Maldini has been my favourite“. – Sir Alex Ferguson.
One of JOE’s pet peeves with modern football is that people are all very eager to hail the next YouTube sensation as an instant legend, hero, world beater etc. Regarding the Italian left-back, JOE thinks that the Oxford English Dictionary should put Maldini’s face next to the word “legend” and here’s why.
He spent all 24 seasons of his career at AC Milan where he won the following; 7 Scudettos , 5 Champions Leagues, 5 Super Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Coppa Italia.
Not only that, but he also holds the records for; most AC Milan appearances, the all-time most appearances in European competitions and the most minutes ever played at the World Cup. On the international front, Maldini has played in four World Cups but he sadly never managed to lift a major trophy with the Azzurri. He has countless other accolades, trophies and personal records that JOE hasn’t even mentioned here! We don’t have enough words to describe his genius.
It would be impossible for JOE to give you a choice selection of his career highlights because there are so many. His career is one long series of achievements and triumphs, even when Maldini lost he still showed class and dignity. JOE would rather talk about the man himself and what it was that made him so special.
It’s no surprise that Maldini became a world-class footballer, his father Cesare (who would later become his national team manager) was also an Italian international, he played right-back for AC Milan between 1954 and 1966 too. The Maldini legacy is still going strong in the San Siro as Paolo’s son, Christian, has already trained with the first team. No pressure lad!
Having come through the Rossoneri youth team, he made his debut at 16 in the 1984-85 season. The world was amazed by his prodigious technical and physical skills as Maldini took his place alongside Tassoti, Baresi and Costacurta. Names that still make any striker quake in their boots.
The peerless Maldini was given the ultimate compliment at the end of the 1996/97 season when the great Franco Baresi announced his retirement. The left-back picked up the arm-band and ensured that the trophy-winning standards didn’t drop at the San Siro. What makes Maldini one of JOE’s favourite players of all time was his style of play. He was the most elegant defender that we have ever seen because he relied on his technique and anticipation – not physical intimidation – to dominate opposing wingers.
Maldini was a left back that was naturally right footed, a defender who could attack just as well, tough but always fair, more intelligent than aggressive, humble in victory and always magnanimous in defeat. Maldini was sheer class personified, both on and off the pitch. Do you want to hear something crazy? He never picked up a single red card in any competitive match during his 24 years playing as a professional. This documentary on him is perfect.
Clip via – Malcolm Sacco
Much like the legendary careers of Ryan Giggs, Clarence Seedorf and Raul, Maldini has always been at the very top of the game. He has won trophies under illustrious managers like Fabio Capello, Arrigo Sacchi , Alberto Zaccheroni and Carlo Ancelotti. Maldini has played alongside some of the best players in the history of the game, for club and country. Baresi, Baggio, Nesta, Gullit, Van Basten, Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Cannavaro, Del Piero, Shevchenko and the list goes on.
Such is his stature in the game that even the Inter Milan tifosi paid tribute to him in the last Milan derby he played before his retirement. Since retiring, Maldini has refused a plethora of coaching offers, most notably from Chelsea, but JOE wouldn’t rule out a return to the game.
What words can we use s to describe him? Winner, loyal, general, brave, captain, icon and legend. Simply put, Paolo Maldini.
