Paulo Maldini; 902 club games, 126 Italy caps, 26 trophies and 25 seasons. The man who taught millions around the world to defend celebrates his 49th birthday today.
Eight years after retiring from the game. the great 'Il Capitano' is trying his hand at becoming a world class tennis player, but we're here to remember the art of defending in its purest form. This is a leader who became such a spearhead in his club's history that AC Milan retired the number three shirt in his honour.
Not to mention he is one of only 18 players to have made over 1,000 career appearances.
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Maldini won five Champions League trophies with AC Milan during his 25 year career. Images: PA
Maldini not only lifted five Champions League trophies, seven Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, five Supercoppa Italiana titles, five European Super Cups two Intercontinental trophies and a FIFA World Cup, but he lifted the club to unprecedented heights during his legendary stay at the San Siro.
A striker's worst nightmare and a defender's dream - just ask Franco Baresi.
The pair were part of the famous Milan side that went 58 games unbeaten from 1991 to 1993 to an the entire 1991-92 season.. Both Maldini and Baresi played together 196 times and conceded only 23 goals - that's a goal every 8.5 games.
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A true masterclass of how to defend by two of the greatest.
To celebrate his 49th birthday, you're about to watch Maldini at his very best during AC Milan's glory days. Playing with the likes of Baresi, Seedorf, Romario and Filippo Inzaghi.
Here's a compilation of his greatest tackles and defensive moments:
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In 2007, Maldini became the oldest player to captain a Champions League winning side, at 37 years of age. His legacy will live on forever, and these clips will circulate on a yearly basis because well, it's just a joy to watch.
Happy Birthday, Paulo.
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