Rising star: Daniel Maldini

Age: 19
Club: AC Milan
Nationality: Italian
Position: Attacking midfielder
Senior appearances/goals/assists: 13/0/0

That name seems familiar…

What, Daniel? Yeah, it’s pretty common.

No, the surname.

Ah right, yes – that’s because he’s part of royal lineage in football terms. His granddad, Cesare Maldini, was captain of AC Milan when they won their first ever European Cup in 1963. And Daniel’s dad, Paolo, won the same trophy five times with the same club and is now technical director for the Rossoneri.

So we’re looking at another defensive dynamo from the Maldini production line?

Well, Daniel made his Champions League debut for the club this week against Liverpool, which suggests he’ll get the chance to establish himself as a third-generation superstar. But unlike his paternal predecessors, it won’t be as a defender: while he did start out as one, he’s developed as a midfielder instead. Fabio Capello, speaking on Italian TV, said, “I think Paolo Maldini was thrilled to see this match played by his son Daniel, who is the continuation of everything they have done as a family.” However, unlike his paternal predecessors, Daniel won’t be playing as a defender: while he did start out as one, he’s developed as a midfielder instead.