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#4. Paolo Maldini
The period between 1980-2000 was a golden age for football in terms of the quality of stars. From Africa (George Weah and co.) to South America (Ronaldo de Lima amongst others), a host of legendary players were active in this era.
As far as defenders are concerned, one name continues to tower above all others; that of the charming, devilishly handsome son of Cesare Maldini.
One of a very select few footballing sons who went on to be better than their fathers, the younger Maldini has come to be known as the S.I unit for measuring elite fullbacks in football.
Rugged, strong in the tackle and blessed with intelligence, stamina and technical skills, Paolo was the quintessential “he had it all” footballer.
A one-club man, he wore the black and red colors of AC Milan throughout his storied career casting a very long shadow over his successors.
He was majestic for the Italian national team as well during his 22-year-career where he won everything at club level (at least twice) but was so unlucky at the national level.
Lots of great defenders during the 1989-2007 years staked a claim for being legitimate greats but none came close to the genius that was the Rossoneri and Azzurri legend.
