The Milan squad where a nascent Maldini first made his mark was a far cry from the club’s more recent incarnations. This was a distinctly different era.

In May 1980, the Lega Calcio’s disciplinary commission sanctioned Milan’s demotion to Serie B amidst a tumultuous soccer betting scandal. This upheaval led to the sale of numerous key players and a strategic pivot towards nurturing young talent.

The team made its triumphant return to Serie A in 1983, propelled by a cadre of youthful prodigies, including the likes of Baresi, already donning the captain’s armband, along with Filippo Galli, Tassotti, and Evani. This squad was predominantly Italian, a reflection of the era’s regulations which only permitted the inclusion of one foreign player in 1980, later expanded to two in 1982.

Milan’s inaugural season back in Serie A (1983 – 1984) was somewhat underwhelming, culminating in an 8th place finish, not least due to the underperformance of their foreign signee, Luther Blissett.

During this challenging period, two pivotal shifts occurred that would indelibly shape the Rossoneri’s trajectory. Veteran tactician Nils Liedholm took the helm, and a young, 16-year-old Paolo Maldini ascended to the first team, initially filling in as right-back in place of Mauro Tassotti. Liedholm, discerning Maldini’s potential, soon made him a fixture in the starting lineup.

The club’s fortunes were dramatically reshaped in 1986 with the advent of Silvio Berlusconi’s presidency. His leadership, marked by financial acumen, global communication strategies, and astute management decisions, reinvigorated Milan’s international prestige.

Sacchi and Capello
In the ensuing years, Milan, bolstered by a robust core, grew formidable with strategic acquisitions, notably the Dutch trio. Under Sacchi, Milan’s playstyle underwent a revolutionary transformation, which Capello later refined by fortifying the defense and midfield. This less flamboyant yet more pragmatic approach further solidified their dominance. Throughout this era, Maldini, a paragon of defensive mastery, was a constant on the flank. His hallmarks were his remarkable consistency, defensive acumen, and the ability to seamlessly transition between offense and defense, making him an irreplaceable pillar alongside Baresi, Costacurta, and Tassotti in what many regard as the finest defense in football history.

The post-Capello years posed challenges for Maldini, stirring thoughts of moving to another club.

Carlo Ancelotti
However, Ancelotti’s tenure revitalized both Milan and Maldini, restoring their winning ways and international stature. Maldini, now a seasoned veteran, transitioned to center-back, where his football intelligence led to a resurgence in his performance.

Why is Maldini esteemed as the finest defender in history?
The reasons are manifold. He was an exceptionally complete player, devoid of any discernible weaknesses. His speed, physical prowess, aerial ability, technical skill, professionalism, respect from peers and rivals, versatility, and preeminent defensive instincts (tackling, sliding, marking) set him apart. Moreover, his rare consistency and minimal error rate across decades underscore why Paolo Maldini is heralded as the ultimate defensive maestro.