Paolo Maldini

Paolo Maldini (born June 26, 1968 in Milan) is an Italian football player. Maldini is a defender and predominantly plays the position of left back, although he sometimes plays at centre back. Throughout his long career, he has remained with A.C. Milan. One of the great defenders of all time, he was arguably the best defender of his time at the peak of his career, and remains well known for influential captaincy, ice-cool temperament and flawless defending. He is still playing at the very high level, which is confirmed by inclusion to FIFPro World XI in 2005, nomination to the UEFA Champions League 2004-2005 most valuable defender title, and second place in Golden Foot nomination in 2005.

Related Topics:
June 26 - 1968 - Milan - Italian - Football - Left back - A.C. Milan - Defender - FIFPro - 2005 - UEFA Champions League - Golden Foot

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Maldini's Serie A debut came in 1985. He has had a glittering career to date, winning many trophies with Milan (as of 2005, those include seven Serie A titles and four European Cups).

Related Topics:
Serie A - 1985 - European Cup

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Maldini is Italy's most capped player. However, he never managed to win a trophy at the international level despite playing in the 1994 World Cup final and the 2000 European Championship Final. He retired from the national team after 2002 World Cup finishing his successful career with 126 caps and 7 goals. Maldini also played in the 1990 and 1998 World Cups, Euro 88, and Euro 96.

Related Topics:
Italy - 1994 World Cup - 2000 European Championship Final - 2002 World Cup - 1990 - 1998 World Cups - Euro 88 - Euro 96

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Maldini also set a new record in Champions League by scoring after only 51 seconds in the final against Liverpool F.C. in 2005.

Related Topics:
Champions League - Liverpool F.C.

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There was a public appeal in Italy for Maldini to come out of retirement for the 2004 European Championship, but he rejected the appeal for "personal reasons". Paolo's father, Cesare, also captained A.C. Milan in the 1960's, lifting the Champions Cup in 1963.

Related Topics:
2004 European Championship - Cesare

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Maldini recently broke Dino Zoff's Serie A appearance record, making his 571st appearance against Treviso F.B.C.. He also recently played his 800th game in all competitions for Milan.

Related Topics:
Dino Zoff's - Treviso F.B.C.

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