In this bustling world, people come for profit and go for profit. However, believe it or not, there is always a group of people in the world who are indifferent to fame and fortune and only take a spoonful of drink. They are in the prosperous three thousand, but they are only for a team to see all the joys and sorrows. They implant their faith deeply in their souls, interpreting themselves with perfect loyalty. It is their existence that has made a series of heart-warming football stories, which make people feel emotional.
On June 26, 1968, a baby boy was born in a football family in Milan, Italy, and he is the protagonist of this article - Paolo Maldini. The son of football superstar Cesare Maldini, Paolo was destined to embark on a football path from an early age. His father, Cesare, was the first Italian to lift the Champions League trophy, and he was one of the biggest football stars of his time.
In 1978, under the guidance of his father and the unwavering support of his family, Paulo, who was only 10 years old, stepped into the AC Milan academy for the first time with an infinite vision of football. Under the careful cultivation of Fabio Capello, Paolo Maldini is like a shining jewel, gradually exuding his unique light in the field of football. After seven years of hard training, he was as hard as an anvil, constantly tempering his basic skills and willpower, and finally cultivated a superb skill and indestructible determination.
On that cold winter day on January 20, 1985, the atmosphere was tense and solemn on the match between AC Milan and Udinese. When Sergio Batistini was injured unexpectedly, Paolo Maldini spread his wings like an eagle and was sent on the pitch by coach Nils Lidholm. He was only 16 years old that year, but his eyes were deep and resolute, as if he had already heralded the beginning of a legend. From that moment on, with his indomitable will and excellent skills, he became the legendary captain of AC Milan and wrote his own glorious chapter.
In 1986, Silvio Berlusconi took the helm of AC Milan, marking the beginning of Milan's heyday. Under the direction of Arrigo Sacchi, the world's number one coach at the time, Paolo Maldini was firmly positioned at left-back. The 4-4-2 all-offense and all-defense tactical system provided Paul with a broad stage. Like a fire, he was full of power, heralding the glorious prospects of the revival of the Milanese dynasty. 
Paolo Maldini, who made his debut, showed maturity and poise beyond his years, leaving a deep impression on Rossoneri's fans. At the age of 17, he took over the number 3 shirt worn by his father during his time at AC Milan. With the arrival of superstars such as Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Rijkaard, AC Milan have finally returned to glory after a period of slump.
Paulo Maldini's consistent performances have seen him quickly become a mainstay in the AC Milan backline. Together with Baresi, he built an impregnable barrier that provided solid rear support for the "Three Musketeers of the Netherlands" ahead. In the 1987 Serie A title and the 1988 Champions League title, the young Paul made a great difference. He won the "European Rookie of the Year" award in 1989 and became one of the biggest stars in football. 
In the 96 97 season, Capello's departure seemed to take away the soul of AC Milan, making this former overlord fall from the altar. That season, they faltered and ended up in 11th place in Serie A. It also marks the beginning of a difficult rebuilding phase for AC Milan. However, it was in this challenging moment that Paolo Maldini stepped up. He took over the captain's armband left by Baresi and took on the responsibility of leading the team back to the top. Since then, "Captain Paul" has become an iconic symbol of AC Milan's new glory era, and his tenacity and leadership have become a source of motivation and confidence for the team to move forward.
In the '98 '99 season, Maldini, as the captain, was like a heroic lord, leading the Rossoneri all the way. They overcame all obstacles and finally defeated Perugia away in the final round of the Italian Serie A, with a narrow one-point advantage over the mighty "Blue Eagle" Lazio, and reached the pinnacle of glory. To celebrate AC Milan's centennial, they presented this generous gift. After the game, the topless Maldini celebrated passionately in the stadium, and his bold way of celebrating has captivated countless female fans.
Entering the new millennium, Maldini is more mature and stable. His outstanding leadership and leadership qualities have kept the AC Milan dressing room united and stable. In the UEFA Champions League final of the 02 03 season, they stood on the stage of their dreams and launched a fierce competition. In the end, AC Milan defeated Juventus on penalties to win the all-important "Holy League Derby". At this moment, Maldini's charisma as a leader and AC Milan's team strength were on full display.
On May 23, 2007, at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Liverpool was still on the final stage. This time, however, the Rossoneri didn't let the opportunity slip through their fingertips again. Inzaghi's two goals, like a sharp sword, pierced the heart of the opponent, paving the way for Milan's revenge.
The 39-year-old veteran captain Maldini lifted the Champions League trophy for the fifth time for AC Milan, and at that moment, it was as if time stood still and the air froze. The resentment that had accumulated over the years as a result of the "Istanbul Nights" was finally released at that moment. 
However, in the two seasons that followed, fate seemed to play a joke on the legendary star. Injuries followed Maldini's career to an end. On 31 May 2009, AC Milan secured Champions League qualification with a 2-0 win over Fiorentina. It was a match that went down in history and the last game of Maldini's career. After the game, AC Milan made the historic decision to officially retire the No. 3 shirt as a sign of gratitude and respect for the legendary footballer. Maldini spent 25 years loyal to one team, 902 games, 33 goals, five Champions League titles, seven Serie A titles. His impact extends far beyond his performances on the field. His attitude, his professionalism, is a perfect expression of the Milanese spirit. His performances and contributions have earned him recognition and respect from football fans around the world for his status and reputation in the football world.
Compared with his brilliant club career, Paolo Maldini's national team career is a bit bleak and bitter, as if a bright star has been obscured.
In the 1988 match between Italy and the former Yugoslavia, a young player, Maldini, who was not yet 20 years old at the time, wore it for the first time"The Blue Cos"'s jersey appeared on the stage of world football. Just two years later, at the age of 22, he has become the solid core of the national team's defense, writing a legend. At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Maldini teamed up with goalkeeper Zenga to set a record of 517 minutes without conceding a goal.
The 1994 World Cup in the United States was Maldini's closest to the Hercules Cup. In the absence of veteran captain Baresi and defender Tassotti, Maldini took the lead. He moved between full-back and centre-back in seven games like a magician, reinventing himself on his own"Apennine concrete defense line"。His performance not only showed extraordinary strength, but also showed unparalleled leadership temperament.
In the penalty shoot-out in the final, Roberto Baggio regretfully missed the penalty, and that scene seems to be vivid. His image of the "melancholy prince", with his deep gaze, is still unforgettable. In the 1998 World Cup in France, Paolo Maldini played with his father Cesare and staged a touching football story of "father and son". In Euro 2000, the "Blue Jackets" under the protection of "Santoldo" eventually lost to the more magical Wiltord and Trezeguet, but their spirit will always be remembered. In the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, the 34-year-old Maldini attacked the Hercules Cup for the last time. The "Blue Coats", who were originally full of confidence, met the host South Korea in the 1 8 finals. Maldini's "headshot" by Li Tianxiu became a true portrayal of the game. In the end, "Taiji Tiger" successfully eliminated Italy with Ahn Jung-hwan's stunner. And then at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Maldini, who was originally disheartened, witnessed the moment when his teammates beat France in the final and lifted the Hercules Cup. At that moment, his heart must have had mixed feelings.
Now, the relay of the inheritance has been quietly completed, and Maldini's youngest son, Daniel, has made his mark on the green field. I believe that in the near future, we will witness that seal again"maldini"The red and black jerseys are in full swing at the San Siro Stadium.
Because of the heritage of football, we always remember those immortal legends. In the long river of life, the memories of those green years are like a flat boat, carrying us to linger. The quiet time is our awakening after the end of a thousand sails, and it is also the calmness after the precipitation of time. Now, when we look up at the starry sky, do we still remember the star that once accompanied us?It carries our story and witnesses our growth. Let us use the brush of words to paint those beautiful years, and let them shine in our hearts forever.