Angela Stefani
ROME — The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has officially announced the appointment of two football legends, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Araujo, to strategic positions within its structure. Maldini will now serve as Technical Director, while Leonardo will contribute as an Advisor. This announcement was made by the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malagò, in early 2026, marking a new chapter in the efforts to strengthen the management of Italian football.
This move by the FIGC is expected to bring fresh impetus and invaluable on-field expertise. Maldini, an AC Milan icon and former captain of the Italian national team, will be responsible for developing football philosophy, implementing technical policies, and coordinating between national teams across various age groups. His experience as a player and manager at the highest level makes him an ideal figure for this task.
Meanwhile, Leonardo, a former player and sporting director at several top European clubs, will serve as a strategic advisor. His capacity includes international aspects, inter-club relations, and youth talent development. The combination of their expertise is expected to create positive synergy for the advancement of Italian football.
In his statement, Malagò expressed great optimism about the presence of these two legendary figures. "Maldini as technical director and Leonardo as advisor is a decision we believe will bring transformative impact," Malagò stated. "Both possess the vision, integrity, and deep understanding of modern football dynamics that we desperately need."
This appointment reflects the Federation's commitment to optimizing the potential of former star players who have proven their leadership qualities. Maldini, with a long history in AC Milan's previous management, brings practical experience in club technical structures. Leonardo, who has held similar positions at Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, complements this duo with his network and intelligence in global negotiation.
The Italian football world warmly welcomed this news. Fans and observers hope that the presence of Maldini and Leonardo can address various challenges faced by the national team and domestic leagues. The main focus is on improving the quality of youth development and adopting innovative strategies to compete on the international stage.
This decision is also seen as a strategic effort by the FIGC to stabilize and strengthen the position of Italian football amidst increasingly fierce global competition. With a solid foundation at the management level, it is hoped that the Gli Azzurri can return to their glorious peak. This transformation is highly relevant considering the preparations for major future tournaments.
The coordination between Maldini and Leonardo is projected to be the backbone of structural reforms. Maldini will primarily deal with daily operations and direct implementation on the field, while Leonardo will focus on the bigger picture and external connections. This clear division of tasks has the potential to maximize their work effectiveness.
Football experts believe that the presence of individuals with credibility and practical knowledge like Maldini and Leonardo represents a long-term investment. They bring not only big names but also a profound understanding of what is required to build and maintain successful teams in the modern football era.
This bold step by the FIGC underscores its determination to rebound from a period of transition and achieve new successes. With a leadership foundation strengthened by football icons, the future of the Italian Football Federation looks promising, full of hope for continuous innovation and success in the years to come.
