I am a 71-year old Englishman and completely neutral. If I were compiling an international first XI from those who have played during my lifetime, I have always said that these two would form my central defensive pairing. No other player available from any country during that period comes close to dislodging either of these two formidable talents. Baresi and Maldini are to defence what Pelé and di Stéfano were to attack.

3:26 - so whenever Maldini is asked to speak about Baresi, he turns into Shakespeare.

In my opinion I think Maldini and baresi are the greatest defensive partnership of all time.The amount trophies they won.The fact they barely conceded any goals.There longevity.Phenomenal

The video could have stopped with the stat “196 matches in CB pairing 23 goals conceded” That stat line is TOTALLY unheard of in that many matches

Ronaldo El Phenomeno "the toughest player I faced in my career is Maldini". "I used to drift to the left side When playing against Ac Milan Because Maldini is not there". Franco Baresi “He was very young (Maldini), so I tried to give him some advice. But he needed very little; he was already a great player.” Maradona : "Maldini doesn't play football he stops other players from playing football". Ruud Gullit “Position for position one of the greatest players ever. But unlike certain other great full-backs, he wasn’t world class when just defending or just attacking - he could do both better than most and is an excellent centre-back too.” Ray Wilkins “Just an unbelievable athlete. If he wanted to play centre-forward, he could. He literally had it all.” Brian Laudrup “He simply never has a bad match. Very difficult to play against, a sublime passer and he’s scored a lot of goals too. Has an incredible physique and is the ultimate role-model. He’ll go down in the history books as perhaps the best left-back ever.” Emmanuel Petit “His record speaks for itself, both in terms of quality and longevity. Such a classy defender - so tough to get past - and someone it’s difficult not to admire.” Marcel Desailly “A real monster… I find it incredible he has never been World or European Footballer of the Year. Alongside Franco Baresi he was the best defender I’ve ever seen in my career. Ronald Koeman “There’s never been a better left-back in the game’s history. Two-footed, and at his peak, brilliant going forward. “The night Milan annihilated Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League Final, he played centre-half, as Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta were both suspended, and looked like he’d played there all his life.” Sir Alex Ferguson “Maldini went through the entire 90 minutes without tackling. That is an art and he is the master of it. He is a great player.” Alessandro Del Piero “There are great players and there are world-class players. Then there are those who manage to go beyond that term. Paolo is the perfect example. He is the symbol of Milan.” Andrea Pirlo “Paolo Maldini is the best. A defender. A peerless defender. The best defender going. Both physically and mentally, he had everything, and the enjoyment he got from playing was as obvious at 40 years of age as it had been the day I first walked through the door at Milan.” Ronaldinho “He was one of the best defenders in Champions League history, but what was so impressive about him is that when he was on the ball he didn’t look like a defender but like an elegant midfield player.” Zlatan Ibrahimovic “Maldini was the best and toughest defender I ever faced. He had everything: he was a complete defender, who was strong, intelligent, and an excellent man-marker.” David Villa “He is one of the best players in the history of the game and he represents everything that’s good in football. And above all, he’s a winner.” Andriy Shevchenko “The most gifted and hard-working player I’ve ever seen. He was an excellent all-round footballer with true leadership virtues and the rare ability to be reliable in defence and creative in attack.” Francesco Totti “I haven’t seen a more determined, loyal player than him. The best captain the Azzurri have ever had.” Steven Gerrard “He is the definition of how a captain should be.” HollowMan : There is levels to Foot Ball, And then there is Paolo Maldini. I really don't understand how somebody can have the audacity to compare him to anybody that man used to terrify Ronaldo and Maradona !

England fans be like: nah, they're nothing compared to Stones & Maguire.

Man, i have to tell you this. I remember those two guys playing, i'm class of '84. I am italian, i am AC Milan supporter. I have seen EVERYTHING about those two guys. Literally. Still, i have rarely seen something this good-especially from non-italian creators/directors. Chapeau to you: this is how you do a vid about Franco Baresi e Paolo Maldini. Well done!

Baresi's performance in the '94 world cup final is the best defensive feat ever in my opinion.

I fell in love with the ART of defending by watching Maldini. What a privilege to watch him all these years 🔴⚫🔴⚫🔴

I have never been more inspired in my life by a footballing performance than Franco Baresi’s performance in the World Cup Final against Brazil.

everything about this channel makes it perfect for late night binges... the voice, music, even font... absolutely captivating channel, cheers Football Iconic

Maldini at 40 years of age was still incredible. Barresi was just perpetual motion. If Italy could just have these two in their current side! How European football would change!,

Man i hope Daniel Maldini will become a starter for Milan Would love it for him to become an elite player

I remember that 94 final with Barcelona, I was expecting Barcelona to destroy Milan. Barcelona had legends like Stoichkov and Romario who for me was the best striker in the world. Milan killed them that day, Barca didn’t even get a sniff, it was a dominant performance.

They played in an era where defending was considered an artform. And they were grand masters. #Artists

best 2 defenders ever, Maldini only got 69 yellow cards, that as far as i know the lowest any defender ever got in such a long playing carrer, that show the level of technique he had

As an Italian I hear the name maldini and swell with pride. I support Juve myself but just hearing their names is a matter of national honor.

the greatest defensive partnership ever formed

Paolo Maldini was my all time favorite player growing up in the early to mid 90s. I was lucky enough to see him play in the 1994 WC when i was 10.

Not only did this video teach me so much about Maldini and Baresi, it also tought me hugely about how good AC Milan actually were back in the day, absolute mental side, rediculous stuff, a team like that in the modern day would shock the world. P.s. it also tought me quite abit about the history of Sirie A as a whole!

You should try making videos on coaches. Include whatever career they had as a footballer then how their coaching career went. I'm sure there a lot of interesting characters in that area.

Maldini was my favorite defender of all time. At milan from 1986 - 2009 what a player

IMAGINE how talented you had to be to score against a defense of MALDINI, COSTACURTA, BARESI, TASSOTI

Please do "How good was Zanetti really" I miss Maldini and Zanetti battles on the backs

If anyone doesn't put Franco Baresi in their greatest team of all time then they probably didn't see the man play to see how good he really was. Paulo Maldini took off where Franco Baresi finished in the centre of defense, and he was stellar at that too, along with being the finest Left Back i've ever had the pleasure to watch. The great AC Milan team of the late 80's and early 90's were astonishingly brilliant, they had talent all over the pitch and were a formidable attacking and defensive team...they could certainly play. Great video 👍

I'm a Englishman myself and I remember watching the serie a in the nineties and oh how I wish Maldini and Baresi played in the prem they was formidable as a pairing they're the goats of defending

Maldini was special his ability to read the game was something that many other players fail to do. He had good height and was interchangeable to centre of midfield and left back, his also had great timing, his goal scoring added to his game immensely. I played right wing for the beginning of my armature career never missing a game and later moved to right back. I used to record all games shown on TV with AC Milan featuring, just so I could watch Maldini and tried to break down what he did well and how he tackled. I had blistering speed and teams who had players who knew my speed would not play down the right hand side of the pitch. I also was good in the air and had good heading ability. What I lacked most was the ball control that Maldini had and showed with great flair. For me Maldini wasn't just good he was great an all around ability player. I always wondered why he never played as a defensive midfield player as im sure he would of been seen as even more of a great.

I'm a Milan supporter myself and I was so lucky to be a kid/teen in those years. As a football lover I enjoyed that time so much, you can imagine. Anyway, this is such an excellent video that only a real student of the game and history of the game could put together. There are quite a few things that many wouldn't even know or remember. Incredibly well done!

Thank you for the video. This is one of the best videos about players careers I watched on KZfaq.

Maybe do one on Deco. 2 Champions League, 2 La Liga titles, a Premier League medal and 2 FA cup,…In my opinion, the greatest player in that Porto squad which won the CL.

TIMING they had that in abundance . AWESOME PLAYERS 💎💎!!

How has this guy only got 40k… quality content man!

Fantastic, informative video and extremely enjoyable to watch. Baresi and Maldini were my favorite defenders growing up and heavily influenced my playing style as an attacking defender.

Fantastic video. Great work. I'm a Milan fan and you couldn't have covered it any better.

Such a great video man - thanks for this, for the stats, and the memories. Forza Milan!! 🔴 ⚫️

Gods of the game both of them. Legendary isn’t quite enough. Great video, thank you 👏🏻

It’s so unreal how almost everyone passes on such an iconic club. Franco&Paolo are legends without a doubt. I’m a Milan fan to the bone, and yes we had a lot of ups and downs but we back...league championship clinched...now it’s time to get back in the top 5 in Europe. Forza Milan 4 life. ❤️♠️♦️♣️🇮🇹

Keep it up man ima keep telling you!!! You are awesome at making consistent content and I love it, I don’t get tired watching your videos. Not too long and also very entertaining!!! I love it man please keep it up

Making my day with these god damn

I loved Italian football as a kid. Maldini and Roberto Baggio are 2 of my favourite players ever.

Video ideas and videos in general been top tier keep it up bro👍

Baresi maybe slightly better tackler than Maldini.. But overall, I think Maldini is better than Baresi but its very close..

great vid looks very professional. you are like the tifo of football documentaries

What a great video! As a CB, these guys were massive inspirations for me growing up.

Thanks man for this great video clip. Forza Milan ⬛️🟥⬛️🟥⬛️🟥⬛️

Your channel is so entertaining. I love your videos bro, keep it up!

as an italian I can’t wait to watch this video …banger incoming🔥

Nice vid as always.

Just a bangin channel that deals with extraordinary football players .would love to see a fergie team from scotland in the eightys.if that's even possible

Great work my guy!

Greay video, would love a video on Giggs incredible career

There is one further point to be considered. The players these two guys had to fight against were people such as Zico, Platini, Maradona, Batistuta, Klinsmann, Matthäus, Paolo Rossi, Ronaldo, Vialli, Mancini, Careca, Baggio, Del Piero, Trezeguet,. Mainly: the best around the world in the years between 1985 and 2005.

Man these videos are too good to come out only once a week

I enjoyed your video. I’m looking at the position my 12yr old daughter is playing. She is a defender by nature but the strikers get most of the attention. This video is inspiring to those who are defenders and center backs. Thanks🙏🏼

Another great video

I'm 42, italian and interista....i'm so happy to lived those magic 80s of great icons like them. Football was so magic.

Love your content! Was wondering how long it takes you to put together one of these videos. Keep putting out the content

Dude your vids are amazing

Maldini was start of modelling in football. If i had a pound for every picture of his green eyes in various suits, shirts, pre/post/mid games..ice cool, red hot etc etc etc id be a millionaire! Im sure older fans may point to some before but Maldini paved way for Beckham, Zlatan to be fashion icons etc.

Your content is amazing dude

I love you content bro, its always class

I'm glad I got to watch AC Milan with both playing...they had an incredible team...

Great video again

Just bought a classic ac milan kit got baresi on the back so excited to wear it

One of the most likeable videos, again

Great video like always, my dad grew up a Milan fan and I can see why he appreciated defensive football.

Thank you for finally highlighting the two most formidable and classiest defenders footballers in history. Ramos, Pepe and other jokers please take note, yeah!! I said it, these two were classy, worked hard and never went to lowlife tactics as the aforementioned. Miss them dearly.

Always loved the pair of them and they are the two players I uses as examples for my son as both defenders but as footballers too. Professional, loyal, commanding and earning the respect of their opponents as well as their team mates. 1994 CL Final probably the greatest one ever because of the context (Barcelona were destroying people in the CL that year). How many defenders make the Ballon D'Or podium...almost none....the fact that these two are arguably the best defenders ever and still couldn't win it shows how bias the awards system is.

They showed the art of defending also keep up the great content 👑

Both absolutely have to be top 10 (really, top 5) all-time without a doubt. As a duo, simply an anomaly

Despite missing pen in the 94 World Cup final. Baresi still marked Romario out of the game and Baresi was 50% fit at best

both firm members of my personal dream team; never to be removed. absolute legends

Your videos are great ....i would suggest you make insta reels or stories to roll the people in

Oyi, Tinashe. Great video, massive fan. Could you kindly make a vid on Lucio? Thanks mate

Most people in this comment section still fail to realize that Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini NEVER played side-by-side as centre-backs in AC Milan, where Paolo Maldini was the left-back, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta were the centre-backs, and Mauro Tassotti as the right-back, with Sebastiano Rossi as the goalkeeper, which contributed to the infamous "Gli Invicibli" AC Milan side in 1991-1992. They only did so in FIFA World Cup 1994, where they finished runner-up to Brazil, with five goals conceded from seven matches.

Really superb, amazing we get this quality of analysis for free. Late 80s/90 Italian football sets all standards, IMHO. The Spanish teams cannot defend.

superb playersalways great to watch when ever the game was being broadcast

My man you’re the best. What a tremendous video of these legends

The great teams were always built from the back. While fans rave about forwards as the best ever players like Maldini and Baresi were clinical in defending. I admired this pair and can think of other defenders who were brilliant like Gaetano Scirea and Daniel Passarella. Commentators now rave about full backs who play high calling them wing backs: this is nothing new. Giacinto Facchetti the Inter full back scored many brilliant goals as did Celtic full back Tommy Gemmell.

i didn't witness the greatness of maldini and baresi but stories and videos like these are enough to convince me they were the best

Our HS coach was from germany we lived in rural us farm town we had no access rly to european ball, said coach had us defenders watch tape of these guys. I remember seeing Maldini anchor the entire milan side for 90 minutes commanding performance, then seeing the stats he had like 2 tackles. Guy was always in the best position at almost all times

@football iconic Can you make a video on the single best PL CB season ever? Would love to see a comparison of JT, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Adams, Sol Campbell, Kompany and any other big name or underrated name I'm missing!

And please do not forget Mauro Tassoti and Christian Panucci, and most importantly, Alessandro "Billy" Costacurta, the unsung hero who was lucky enough to win trophies with both of them in three different decades.

The question already excites me...

I'd love to see your all time team for a certain league or best players in a certain era

INCREDIBLE.

This is the kind of content that becomes addicting.

thats an insane stat. I miss these guys.

Best defensive duo I ever seen

Costacurta was centre-back partner to Baresi. Maldini was almost exclusively at left-back in his early years. After Baresi retired, Maldini had phases at centre-back and phases at left-back depending on the other the other defenders in the squad

Absolute icons of the game.

Solid proof of how "offense wins matches but defense wins championship". The unwritten rule of any sports game

Maldini ...one of my childhood football idols!!

I personally watched the Maldini - Nesta twin in CB and they were also pretty darn good.

Could you perhaps do a video about Ralf Ragnick and how he managed to essentially transform the role of a sporting director?

Maldini greatest left back ever. Baresi possible one of the best centre backs ever depending on if you put Beckenbauer in defence or midfield but definitely better than today's defenders

Maldini is one of my top 3 all time players. The reason I became a CB/LB. Clean tackles and outsmarting the faster striker was my skill set. Obviously he did it at the highest level, longer than anyone else in football history.

Under sacchi, they played with aggressive zonal marking, which is very hard to do. The opposition can easily score with this kind of defense but the back 4 was so good at pressing and getting back to position Milan had great numbers. If they played more defensive, they would have even better defensive numbers

I remember them well… can’t find the words to say how good they were

Baresi was so modern, like 20 years ahead. So fast and aggressive, a true leader.