Discover why Paolo Maldini is considered the greatest defender of all time. Learn about his impressive achievements on TotalSportek.

1. Why Paolo Maldini is the greatest defender of all time
Paolo Maldini, a legendary name in the world of football, was a world-class player throughout
his entire career, spanning over two decades. He was a formidable opponent for any attacker who
came up against him. Throughout his career, Maldini faced all the best players of his time – from
Maradona in the ‘80s to the Messi-Ronaldo period, which began at the far end of his career. He
earned victories over nearly all of them, he universally acknowledges as the greatest left-back of
all time. TotalSportek is a dream stream that provides free streaming for soccer fans all around
the world. Fans benefitted from multiple totalsportek.soccer streams as they open their stream if
one of them is not working.
AC Milan's defense and Paolo Maldini Achievements
For more than two decades, Maldini has been the mainstay of AC Milan's defense, earning them
numerous domestic and international honors. The work of Paolo Maldini began his career at AC
Milan in 1985 and soon established himself as one of Italy's most promising young players. He
made his Serie A debut at the age of just 16 and played 25 seasons for the Rossoneri.
Maldini’s legacy recognizes with numerous awards and accolades, including the FIFA World
Cup Dream Team, UEFA Team of the Year, and Serie A Team of the Century. In 2019, Maldini
was appointed technical director of AC Milan, where he continues to work to this day. There are
many reasons why Paolo Maldini is widely regarded as the greatest defender of all time.
#1 World-class Right from His Introduction
Maldini broke into Milan’s first team at the age of 16. Within two years, he was competing in
European competitions and performing against the best footballers of the day. He won his first
Champions League trophy in the 1988-89 season and then proceeded to defend the trophy
alongside Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassotti, and Costacurta with a 1-0 win over Benfica. By then,
he had also made his senior national team debut (at 19), already having been blooded into Italy’s
youth setup under his father and Italian football legend Cesare. Maldini’s elite defensive skills
came into notice before he turned 23 years old – he is one of the few defenders to have won two
Champions League trophies by that age.
#2 Won Almost Every Trophy There Is to Win
Maldini has won multiple league and cup titles. He also has the distinction of being the most
decorated defender in the European Cup/Champions League, having won in ‘89, ‘90, ‘94, ‘03,
and finally, in the Istanbul, revenge match against Liverpool the 2006-07 season. Seven Serie A
titles, five Champions League crowns, a Coppa Italia, five editions each of the European and
Italian Super Cups, as well as three Club World Cup/Intercontinental Cup titles, populate

2. Maldini’s decorated CV, which would hold its own against almost any in European football
history.
#3 His Colleagues Hold Him in the Highest Esteem
Throughout his career, Maldini faced some of the most dangerous strikers, wingers, and
attacking midfielders in Europe. Many of his opponents have acknowledged Maldini as the best
defender they ever faced back in their day. Even Ronaldinho, the Brazilian magician, remarked
that Maldini and John Terry were the two toughest opponents. Maldini is not alone in his
adulation for the man. He is one of the few players to ever hold his own while marking Ronaldo
Nazario in those epic Milan derbies of the late 1990s.
#4 His Longevity Is Incomparable in Football History
Maldini began his professional career in 1985 and for 25 years, he was almost the same player
when we talk about his fitness and endurance levels. Such consistency over such an incredibly
long period (Maldini has 902 appearances for club and country) has only been shown by the
greatest players of all time. While Maldini had several injury-hit seasons during the latter stages
of his career, his overall quality was always taken for granted by every Milan manager that he
played under.
#5 His leadership and professionalism were excellent
Maldini was not only a great player but also a leader on the pitch. He led Milan to many
domestic and European titles for many years. He was a powerful leader and earned respect from
teammates and opponents alike. A professional model, he always worked hard to maintain his
fitness to be the best and improve his skills.
#6 Played his entire career for the same club
Maldini spent his entire career at Milan, a rarity in modern football. At the age of 10, he joined
the club's youth system and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the club's
greatest players. His loyalty to the club was commendable and he always put Milan's interests
above his own. He could have easily gone to another club for more money or success, but he
chose to stay in Milan and build a legacy that remembered for generations.
#7 He was a role model for future generations
Maldini was not only a great player but also a role model for the next generation of footballers.
His skill, dedication, and commitment to the sport were an inspiration to many young players. He
was also a great sports ambassador, always conducting himself with dignity and respect on and
off the field. He was a true icon of the game and set a standard that many players aspire to.
In the late 80s and early 90s, he played a pivotal role in helping AC Milan become a dominant
force in European football. Maldini's on-field leadership and tactical understanding were crucial
to AC Milan's success. In 2002, Maldini won his fifth Champions League title, and his
leadership was crucial to the team's success. Despite being 34 at the time, Maldini played a

3. pivotal role in Milan's defense called the best defender in the competition. Click now on
TotalSportek and enjoy access to multiple totalsportek streams. As TotalSportek is worldwide
famous and provides mobile-friendly features which keep people using it from anywhere
anytime.
Retirement of Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini retired from football in 2009 at the age of 41, having played more than 900 games
for AC Milan. His retirement marked the end of an era in which he remains one of the most
iconic players in AC Milan's history. Maldini was not only a great player, but also a humble and
gracious individual who inspired respect and admiration on and off the pitch. Download
TotalSportek Now! to entertain yourself.