Daniel Maldini (born 31 October 2001) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for Serie A club Empoli, on loan from AC Milan. He is noted for being the third generation of his family to play for AC Milan, following his father Paolo Maldini and grandfather Cesare Maldini, both of whom were celebrated players and later managers at the club.
Early life and youth career
Born in Milan, Italy, Maldini entered the AC Milan youth academy at the age of six, progressing through the club’s junior ranks. He completed his development within the academy’s various youth teams, culminating in a senior‑team debut after more than a decade of training with the club.
Senior club career
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AC Milan (2020–present) – Maldini made his Serie A debut for AC Milan on 19 July 2020 as a substitute in a match against Bologna. He recorded his first senior goal for the Rossoneri in a Serie A fixture against Salernitana in December 2020. Across his appearances for Milan, he has contributed both as a starter and a substitute, primarily in attacking roles.
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Loan to Spezia (2022–2023) – In August 2022, Maldini joined Serie A side Spezia Calcio on a season‑long loan. He featured regularly, making 25 league appearances, though he did not record a goal during the loan spell.
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Loan to Empoli (2023–present) – In July 2023, Maldini moved to Empoli on loan for the 2023–24 season. As of the latest available data, he has made several league appearances for the Tuscan club.
International career
Maldini has represented Italy at youth level. He received call‑ups to the Italy under‑19 and under‑20 national teams, earning a handful of caps in UEFA European Under‑19 Championship qualifying matches and friendlies.
Personal life
Maldini is the son of Paolo Maldini, a former AC Milan captain and one of the most celebrated defenders in football history, and the grandson of Cesare Maldini, a former player and manager of the same club. He also has a younger brother, Christian Maldini, who is a professional footballer.
Career statistics (as of the end of the 2023–24 season)
| Club | Season | League appearances | League goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 2020–2023 | 13 | 1 |
| Spezia (loan) | 2022–2023 | 25 | 0 |
| Empoli (loan) | 2023–2024 | 6* | 0 |
*Applies to the season up to the latest match report available.
Honours
- AC Milan: Serie A champion 2021–22 (squad member)
Daniel Maldini continues his professional career in Italy’s top flight, with expectations of further development both at the club level and potentially within the national team system.
