Paolo Maldini, the legendary AC Milan captain, has delighted Gerard Martín with a heartfelt birthday surprise, gifting the Barcelona defender a signed, match-worn Milan jersey from his playing days. This was revealed by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account.
Romano posted:
Paolo Maldini has sent his own match worn shirt from back in the days to Barcelona defender Gerard Martin. Nice gesture following Martin’s comments on Maldini as idol + teammates calling him ‘Gerard Maldini’.
Maldini, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders and top 5 Most Influential Captains in football history, spent his entire playing career at AC Milan and captained both club and the Italian national team.
Softfootball understands that the gesture coincided with Martín’s February 26 birthday, making the moment even more special. The iconic shirt came with a personal message that read: “To Gerard… Best wishes for a happy birthday, and good luck in your career! With affection, Paolo Maldini.”
Maldini, known as “Il Capitano,” he made 647 Serie A appearances and featured in eight European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals. Beyond his playing career, Maldini later served as Milan’s sporting director and remains an influential figure in global football.
Martín, a 24-year-old product of FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has often spoken openly about his admiration for Maldini. His teammates have even nicknamed him “Gerard Maldini” due to his defensive composure and vocal appreciation for the Italian great. Primarily a left-back but capable of operating as a centre-back, Martín models much of his game on the Milan icon’s elegance and leadership.
The exchange between Maldini and Martín highlights football’s unique ability to bridge rivalries and foster mentorship across generations. Despite representing historically competitive European clubs, the bond between idol and admirer reflects the sport’s deeper culture of respect.
Elsewhere at Barcelona, optimism continues to grow over a permanent deal for Marcus Rashford. Sporting Director Deco hinted at serious intentions to retain the winger beyond his loan spell from Manchester United, with personal terms reportedly close to agreement.
