Paolo Maldini was born in Milan on 26th June 1968 and has become an Italian football icon and a defender of world class international reputation for AC Milan. Maldini followed in the footballing footsteps of his father Cesare Maldini to become one of the most famous members of the Italian national squad.

Maldini is a defender who has pledged his entire football career to one club, namely, AC Milan where he currently holds the captaincy. Maldini holds the current record for most appearances for AC Milan having passed Franco Baresi's record of 512 appearances.

Maldini is well regarded by his fellow professionals and has received widespread adoration as one of the greatest defenders of all time and perhaps the best defender of his era. Flawless defending, influential leadership and a hard work ethic have combined to make Paolo Maldini a player to be reckoned with both domestically and internationally. He is still playing at the highest levels despite approaching 40 years of age.

Maldini made his debut for AC Milan on 20th January 1985 and to date has enjoyed an extremely successful career lifting seven Serie A titles and four European Cups with the chance to lift a further European Cup in Athens against Liverpool in the 2007 Champion’s League final.

Paolo Maldini has indicated that he will retire from football at the end of the 2006-2007 season however he may re-consider if he can maintain his high defensive standards. In celebration and honour of the tremendous loyalty and talent he has given to AC Milan the number 3 shirt will be retired in his honour when he finally hangs up his boots. If in the future one of his sons plays for AC Milan they will be given his number.

Maldini was the first defender ever to win the World Soccer’s World Player of the Year testimony to his talent and skill as a top-notch defensive maestro.

His international career reads as his domestic one as Maldini is the Italian national side's most capped player and he has been captain of the team for more than half his international career. Despite his long tenure he never managed to lift a trophy at international level by the time he retired from international football following the 2002 World Cup.