Maldini in Istanbul: the meeting with the Fenerbahçe presidential candidate
A photograph from Turkey has made its way around Europe’s sports desks: Paolo Maldini, the living legend and iconic captain of AC Milan, was pictured in Istanbul, inside a hotel, alongside Akan Safi — a candidate for the presidency of Fenerbahçe — and several of the Turkish club’s executives.
Safi himself shed light on the nature of the relationship with the former Rossoneri skipper, making no attempt to hide it: «Maldini is a friend of mine. We have a good relationship and he gives me advice on the transfers the club wants to make. I consider him the worldwide face of our football project». Words that, on their own, open up some fascinating possibilities.
What role could Maldini play in Turkey?
For now, this does not involve a formal executive position. The most credible scenario is that of a strategic consultancy or trusted advisory role for Akan Safi, particularly in the area of international player recruitment. In that context, Maldini’s involvement would give Fenerbahçe a stamp of credibility and visibility on the European stage: the name of a man who won everything with the Milan shirt — five Champions Leagues, seven Serie A titles, an Intercontinental Cup — carries enormous weight in any negotiation.
There is also, it must be said, an element of image-building and electoral campaigning: Safi is still in the race for the presidency, and associating his name with Maldini’s sends a powerful message to the Turkish fan base.
Maldini and Milan: «In Italy, there is only Milan for me»
What makes this news even more striking is what Maldini himself had said just a few months ago. The former defender and former AC Milan technical director — let go by Gerry Cardinale in June 2023 — had emphatically stated that, in Italy, there is only one club for him: AC Milan. A declaration of love towards the Rossoneri colours that had seemingly closed every door to roles at other Italian clubs.
The key, however, lies in geography: Maldini appears to draw a clear line between the Italian context — where Milan remains the only conceivable option — and the international landscape, where he evidently feels free to operate with greater autonomy. An approach that, should the news be officially confirmed, would be entirely understandable for a professional of his stature.
The FIGC and other rumours: Maldini ever-present in Italian football’s agenda
This is not the first time Maldini’s name has returned forcefully to football’s agenda. In recent weeks, the Rossoneri legend had also been linked with a senior role at the FIGC as a potential figurehead to revive Italian football following a string of disappointing national team results — a rumour that speaks volumes about the authority, credibility and international vision his name still commands.
Whether it be Fenerbahçe, the Italian Football Federation or — ideally — a future return to the Milan fold, Paolo Maldini remains one of the most respected figures in world football. Every Rossoneri fan can only wish him well, quietly hoping that one day his story with the Devil might add a few more chapters.
