#2 Paolo Maldini
Trending
The definition of a one-club man, Paolo Maldini will go down in history as the greatest defender to have ever graced the football pitch. In a career spanning over 25 years, the former Italy captain won a staggering 26 trophies, including five Champions League titles – more than any other player the modern era. Maldini won seven Serie A titles with AC Milan and holds multiple longevity based records.
However, his tenure as captain was preceded by Franco Baresi, who just happened to be partnered with Maldini at the back, and soaked up everything he could from the Rossoneri legend.
When Baresi retired, he passed on the baton to Maldini and had this to say about his former defensive partner: “I passed the baton to Paolo Maldini, who, after I retired, played for another 12 years at an incredibly high level, conducting himself in an exemplary manner on the field, as a true captain, but also off it. We can, therefore, say that the transition was completely painless, and I left the captain’s armband in very good hands”
Maldini won seven Scudettos, including three consecutive titles between 1992-94 and he was bequeathed the title ‘Il Capitano’.
