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. Throughout his long career, he has remained with A.C. Milan.

Maldini's Serie A debut came in 1985. He has had a glittering career to date, winning many trophies with Milan (as of 2004, those include seven Serie A titles and four European Cups). He was arguably the best defender in the world at the peak of his career, and remains well known for influential captaincy, ice cool temperament and flawless defending.

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.

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.