Paolo Maldini was named technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on July 11, 2026, with a contract running until 2028 [1, 2, 3]. Maldini is a former Italy international defender who won either 126 or 127 caps for the national team, sources vary [1, 2, 3]. He was Italy captain from 1993 until his last international match in the 2002 World Cup round of 16 against South Korea [3].
Maldini spent his entire playing career at AC Milan, winning seven Serie A titles and later served as their technical director for four years, helping the club claim the 2021-22 Serie A championship [1, 2, 3].
The appointment follows Giovanni Malagò’s election as FIGC president in June 2026, succeeding Gabriele Gravina [1, 2, 3]. The federation said Malagò was “pleased to announce” Maldini’s acceptance of the role [1].
Brazilian football legend Leonardo will serve as adviser to Maldini in his new post [1, 2, 3]. Maldini’s first major task will be to lead the search for a new Italy coach after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in March 2026, following Italy’s 0-1 loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the World Cup playoff [1, 2]. This defeat marked Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup [1, 2, 3].
Maldini’s return to Italy’s football leadership comes amid calls to rebuild the national team. The last time Maldini played for Italy was at the 2002 World Cup, ending a distinguished international career that has left a lasting legacy in Italian football [3].