30 Facts About Daniel Maldini

Birth and Family Legacy

Daniel Maldini's roots in football run deep, with a family history that reads like a who's who of Italian football.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on October 11, 2001, in Milan, Italy, Daniel is the son of Paolo Maldini and Venezuelan model Adriana Fossa. His grandfather, Cesare Maldini, also left an indelible mark on AC Milan.

2. Family Legacy: The Maldini name is synonymous with football excellence. Paolo Maldini, Daniel's father, is considered one of the greatest defenders ever. Cesare Maldini, his grandfather, also had a storied career with AC Milan.

Early Career and Youth Achievements

Daniel's journey began in the youth ranks of AC Milan, where he honed his skills and showcased his potential.

3. Youth Career: Daniel joined AC Milan's youth system in 2010, progressing through various age groups, including the under-10 Pulcini and the under-19 Primavera.

4. Achievements in Youth Teams: In the 2016-17 season, Daniel was part of the squad that won the Under-16 National Championship, defeating Lazio 5-2 in the final.

Transition to Senior Football

Daniel's transition from youth football to the senior team marked the beginning of his professional journey.

5. Senior Debut: Daniel made his senior debut for AC Milan in a friendly against Bayern Munich on July 23, 2019, playing nearly an hour in the starting lineup.

6. Competitive Debut: His first competitive game for AC Milan came on February 2, 2020, in a 1-1 Serie A draw against Hellas Verona, where he substituted in for Samu Castillejo.

Milestones and Achievements

Daniel has already achieved significant milestones in his young career, including scoring his first goal and winning his first trophy.

7. UEFA Champions League Debut: Daniel made his UEFA Champions League debut on September 15, 2021, coming off the bench in a 3-2 defeat against Liverpool.

8. First Goal for AC Milan: On September 25, 2021, Daniel scored his first goal for AC Milan in a 2-1 away win against Spezia in Serie A.

9. First Trophy: Daniel won his first trophy with AC Milan on May 22, 2022, when the team clinched the Serie A championship, making him the third generation of his family to win the Scudetto.

Loan Spells and Growth

Loan spells at various clubs have provided Daniel with valuable experience and exposure.

10. Loan to Spezia: In July 2022, Daniel was loaned to Spezia for the 2022-23 season, scoring his first Serie A goal against AC Milan on November 5, 2022.

11. Goal Against Inter Milan: On March 10, 2023, Daniel scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan, marking Spezia's first-ever win against them.

12. Loan to Empoli: In July 2023, Daniel was loaned to Empoli for the 2023-24 season with an option to buy. However, he was later loaned to Monza in January 2024.

13. Monza Loan: Daniel was loaned to Monza until the end of the 2023-24 season, scoring four goals in 11 league games. The deal was made permanent on July 31, 2024, with Daniel signing a two-year contract with Monza.

International Career

Daniel's international career has seen him represent Italy at various youth levels, with potential for senior team appearances.

14. International Career: Eligible to represent either Italy or Venezuela, Daniel made his international debut for Italy at the under-18 level on March 22, 2019, in a 2-0 win against the Netherlands.

15. Under-19 Caps: Later that year, Daniel won two caps for the under-19 Italian national team.

16. Under-20 Caps: In 2021, he was capped three times for Italy under-20, scoring his first international goal in a 1-1 draw against England on October 7, 2021.

17. First Call-Up to Senior National Team: Daniel received his first call-up with the Italy national team for the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and Israel on October 10 and 14, 2024, respectively.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Daniel's current status and future prospects indicate a promising career ahead.

18. Market Value: As of 2024, Daniel's market value is €4.5 million, reflecting his growing potential in the football world.

19. Physical Attributes: Standing at 188 cm tall and weighing 82 kg, Daniel plays as an attacking midfielder and prefers to use his right foot.

20. Player Agent: Represented by GR Sports, a prominent sports agency known for managing several high-profile footballers.

21. Current Club: As of 2024, Daniel plays for AC Monza in Serie A, having joined Monza on a permanent basis after being loaned from AC Milan.

22. Contract Details: Daniel signed a two-year contract with Monza, expiring on June 30, 2026, with a performance-based option.

23. Career Stats: As of October 2024, Daniel has played 58 games, scoring 8 goals. He has also played 5 games for Italy at various youth levels, scoring 1 goal.

24. Shared Squad Members: During his time at Monza, Daniel has shared the squad with notable players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Álvaro Morata, and Pepe Reina.

25. Recent Performance: In the 2023-24 season, Daniel played 11 games for Monza, scoring 4 goals. He also played 7 games in the 2024-25 season, scoring 1 goal.

26. Head-to-Head Records: Daniel has not played any head-to-head matches against notable teams like Empoli or Spezia in competitive games. However, he has played against AC Milan in friendly and competitive matches.

Family Connections and Legacy

Daniel's family connections and legacy continue to shape his career and expectations.

27. Family Connections: Daniel is the son of Paolo Maldini and the grandson of Cesare Maldini. He is also the brother of Christian Maldini, who played for AC Milan's youth teams.

28. Market Value Evolution: Daniel's market value has increased over the years due to his consistent performance and potential. His current market value reflects his growing importance in the football world.

29. Career Path: Daniel's career path has been marked by loans to various clubs, including Spezia and Empoli, which have provided him with valuable experience and exposure. His permanent move to Monza in 2024 indicates a significant step in his professional journey.

30. Legacy and Expectations: As the third generation of his family to play for AC Milan, Daniel carries a legacy that is both inspiring and challenging. His performance on the field is closely watched by fans and critics alike, who eagerly await his next move and how he will continue to shape his family's footballing legacy.

Daniel Maldini: A Legacy in the Making

Daniel Maldini's journey in football is nothing short of fascinating. Born into a family with a rich footballing heritage, he's carving out his own path. From his early days in AC Milan's youth system to his senior debut and first goal, Daniel's career is on a promising trajectory. His loan spells at Spezia and Empoli, followed by a permanent move to Monza, have provided him with valuable experience and exposure. With a market value of €4.5 million and a growing list of achievements, including his first call-up to the senior Italian national team, Daniel is proving he's more than just a name. As he continues to develop his skills and make his mark, the football world eagerly watches his every move. Daniel Maldini is not just living up to his family's legacy; he's creating one of his own.