Legends legacy – Marcelo’s son following in his father’s footsteps, Maldini Jr. forging his own path

Big football names are once again in the spotlight on the European scene, but this time it’s because of their sons, who are trying to carve out their own paths and step out of the shadows of their famous fathers.

From Italy comes confirmation that Daniel Maldini, son of AC Milan legend and one of the greatest defenders of all time Paolo Maldini, has become a new player for Lazio. The young attacker successfully completed his medical exams in Rome, after which the 15 million euros was finalized.

Daniel Maldini took his first football steps at AC Milan, the club his family is inseparably linked to. However, he sought development through several other teams. On loan, he played for Spezia, Empoli, and Monza, before signing a contract with Monza in January 2024 and then moving to Atalanta in February 2025. Now he faces a new challenge wearing the jersey of the Roman giant.

His father, Paolo Maldini, remains a Milan icon — wearing the Rossoneri jersey from 1988 to 2009, serving as a long-time captain of both the club and the Italian national team, and winning over 20 trophies, including seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies. With Italy, he was a runner-up at both the European Championship and the World Cup.

At the same time, news comes from Spain about another football icon’s son. Enzo Alves, son of former Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo, has signed his first professional contract with Real Madrid.

Unlike his father, who excelled as a left-back, Enzo Alves plays as a forward. He has already made 10 appearances for Spain’s youth national team, scoring three goals, further highlighting his potential.

Marcelo wore the Real Madrid jersey from 2007 to 2022, winning six La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies. He also played for Fluminense and Olympiacos, and made 58 appearances for the Brazil national team, scoring six goals.

While their fathers wrote history in European football, Daniel Maldini and Enzo Alves now have the opportunity to, in their own ways, write their own football stories.