Daniel Maldini, born on October 11, 2001, in Milan, Italy, is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Atalanta in Serie A. He is the son of Paolo Maldini, a legendary AC Milan defender, and Adriana Fossa, a Venezuelan model. His grandfather, Cesare Maldini, also captained AC Milan, making Daniel the third generation to play for the club.
Daniel began his career with AC Milan’s youth academy in 2010 and made his first-team debut in 2020. During his time at Milan, he had loan spells with Spezia, Empoli, and Monza, where he gained valuable experience and showcased his potential. In February 2025, he signed with Atalanta, where he continues to develop his career.
Internationally, Daniel has represented Italy at various youth levels. He made his senior debut in October 2024 during a UEFA Nations League match against Israel, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He has expressed immense pride in continuing the family’s football legacy.
Despite his eligibility to play for Venezuela through his mother, Daniel chose to represent Italy, emphasizing his desire to follow the path of his forebears. Standing at 1.88 meters (6’2″), he is known for his playmaking abilities, dribbling skills, and vision on the field.