Paolo Maldini vs Franco Baresi: Stats Compared
Centre-Back / Left-Back, Italy (born 1968, retired 2009) · Sweeper / Centre-Back, Italy (born 1960, retired 1997)
Comparing Paolo Maldini with Franco Baresi means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. The raw numbers read 40 goals in 1028 outings for Paolo Maldini (0.04/game), versus 19 in 800 for Franco Baresi (0.02/game). Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. The honours ledger favours Paolo Maldini with 19 major trophies (5× UEFA Champions League (1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007)) against Franco Baresi's 18 (3× European Cup (1989, 1990, 1994)). Where Paolo Maldini was a commanding presence in the box, Franco Baresi offered a rugged approach to goalscoring. Club journeys add another layer, with Paolo Maldini reaching his representative peak around 2003 across AC Milan and Franco Baresi doing so around 1989 with AC Milan. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
159 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
AC Milan's most decorated player, spending his entire 25-year career at the club; five-time Champions League winner.
“A composed, intelligent defender who read the game with immaculate timing across 25 seasons at Milan.”
AC Milan icon who spent his entire 20-year career at the club; three-time European Cup winner and 1994 World Cup finalist with Italy.
“A peerless sweeper whose reading, tackling and leadership built a defensive dynasty at Milan.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 5× UEFA Champions League (1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007)
- 7× Serie A (1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004)
- 1× Coppa Italia (2003)
- 5× UEFA Super Cup
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2007)
- 3× European Cup (1989, 1990, 1994)
- 6× Serie A (1979, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996)
- 4× Supercoppa Italiana
- 3× UEFA Super Cup
- 2× Intercontinental Cup (1989, 1990)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1985 AC Milan debut aged 16
- 1988 First Scudetto with Milan
- 1989 First European Cup with Milan
- 1994 Named man of the match in the Champions League final
- 2003 Won the Champions League final at Old Trafford
- 2007 Won his fifth Champions League trophy
- 2009 Retired aged 41 after 25 seasons at Milan
- 1977 AC Milan debut aged 17
- 1979 First Scudetto with Milan
- 1980 Stayed at Milan in Serie B after the betting scandal
- 1989 First European Cup with Milan
- 1994 Won the Champions League conceding just 15 goals in 30 league games
- 1997 Retired aged 37 with the number 6 shirt retired in his honour
The verdict
The numbers give Paolo Maldini the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a stronger all-round attribute profile.
Paolo Maldini edges it (a clear margin)
