Maldini is one of the most influential players of all time. The son of Cesare Maldini, he has given his career to Milan and is the most-capped player in both the history of the club and Serie A. On 16 December 2007, after winning the FIFA Club World Cup over Boca Juniors, he announced that he will retire at the end of the season. The 1987--88 Scudetto marked Maldini's first major trophy, and the first of seven league titles, with the club. He was also part of AC Milan's undefeated "Dream Team" from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. In addition to winning his third Champions League and reaching the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, Maldini became the first defender ever to win World Soccer magazine's annual World Player of the Year Award. Maldini played his 600th Serie A match (not including playoff matches) on May 13, 2007, in a 1-1 draw at Calcio Catania. On 25 September 2005, Maldini broke Dino Zoff's Serie A appearance record after playing his 571st league match against Treviso F.B.C.; seven days earlier, he had played his 800th game in all competitions for Milan. Maldini has participated in eight UEFA Champions League finals during the course of his career, which is more than any other active player and near by one to a record held by Francisco Gento. He has lifted the championship trophy five times, the latest coming in Milan's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the 2007 CL final on 23 May 2007. In November 2005, he announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2006-07 season, but relented and decided to stay on for one more year, making his impending retirement effective at the end of the '07-08 campaign. Towards the end of the 2007/2008 season it was announced Maldini would play on for one more season and at the end of the 2008/2009 season he hung up his boots. Milan plan to retire his number 3 shirt, but it will be bequeathed to one of his sons if he makes the club's senior side. His eldest son, Christian, is currently playing for the Milan youth squad. Goodbye Paolo Maldini, you gave your career to AC Milan.
