Maldini became a fixture in the Milan side at just 17 years of age and formed part of one of the greatest defences of all time alongside Franco Baresi, Allesandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti. Maldini was outstanding in 1994 season. With Baresi and Costacurta suspended from the European Cup final, Maldini was switched from his usual role of left back to central defence and gave a masterful display as Milan massacred Barcelona in Athens. Equally superb for Italy during the summer's World Cup Maldini was promptly voted player of the year by readers of World Soccer magazine. Maldini retired from international level following Italy's disastrous 2002 World Cup campaign and started his 19th season at Milan seemingly a spent force. The arrival of Nesta revitalised his career and he emulated his father by captaining Milan to a European Cup victory and the following season a seventh scudetto. The defender with the movie star looks was a legend by his mid twenties. His recent successes should cement his reputation as one of the greatest defenders of all time.

One of the greatest defenders of all time, he was arguably the best defender of his time at the peak of his career, considered by some as the greatest left-back of all time and remains well known for influential captaincy, ice-cool temperament and flawless defending. He is still playing at the very highest level, which is confirmed by inclusion to the FIFA Pro World XI in 2005, nomination to the UEFA Champions League 2004-2005 most valuable defender title, second place in Golden Foot nominations in 2005, and a top-ten finish in the voting for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year.
 

Name	Paolo
Last Name:	Maldini
Nationality:	Italian
Date of Birth:	26 June, 1968
Place of Birth:	Milan
Position:	Defender
World Cups Played:	1990 - 1994 - 1998 - 2002