Paolo Maldini

Paolo Maldini emerged as Sports Minister Andrea Abodi's preferred candidate for the FIGC presidency in April 2026, following Gabriele Gravina's resignation on 2 April. La Stampa reported that Abodi had urged Maldini to stand, though Maldini had not formally declared. Alessandro Del Piero and Demetrio Albertini were also floated. No former player has ever led the FIGC; if elected, Maldini would be a historic first. Candidates must declare by approximately 13 May, ahead of the Federal Council meeting on 22 June.

Maldini played 902 matches for AC Milan between 1985 and 2009, winning five UEFA Champions League titles and seven Serie A titles. He captained Italy at three World Cups , 1994, 1998, and 2002 , and was a finalist in 1994. Regarded as the finest defender of his generation, he was voted UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2003. After retiring as a player, he returned to AC Milan as Technical Director in 2018, before departing in June 2023. He has had no previous role in football governance.

The FIGC is Italy's football governing body, responsible for the national team and domestic football administration. Its president also holds Italy's vote at UEFA and FIFA councils. Maldini's candidacy reflects a broader desire among Italian football figures to break from the career-administrator mould following years of governance controversies. His global name recognition and commercial profile are seen as assets for restoring Italy's standing after its failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022.