Milan Legends Paolo Maldini and Gianni Rivera Emerge as Candidates for FIGC Presidency

Italian football is facing a systemic reckoning. After the unprecedented failure to qualify for three consecutive editions of the World Cup, the leadership of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been hollowed out, leaving a power vacuum that the nation’s most storied icons are now being asked to fill.

The resignation of FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has triggered a high-stakes search for a leader capable of stabilizing the sport in Italy. Reports indicate that two of the greatest figures in the history of AC Milan—Paolo Maldini and Ballon d’Or winner Gianni Rivera—are now central to the conversation regarding who will become the next President of the Italian Football Federation.

The Frontrunner: Paolo Maldini and the Government’s Vision

Among the options to lead the federation, Paolo Maldini has emerged as a primary target. According to reports from La Stampa, the former Italy defender is the first choice of Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi.

Maldini’s credentials on the pitch are unmatched, having amassed a record 126 senior caps for the national team. However, his transition into administration has been more turbulent. He served as Milan’s director of development during the 2018-19 season before ascending to technical director, a role that ended abruptly when he was sacked in June 2023. Outside of Italy, Maldini has expanded his portfolio as a co-owner of Miami FC.

Convincing Maldini to step into the FIGC presidency may not be a simple task. Throughout his career, the legend has frequently stated that his only professional commitments within Italian football would be tied to AC Milan. Whether the lure of national reform outweighs his loyalty to the Rossoneri remains to be seen.

The Ballon d’Or Contender: Gianni Rivera

While Maldini is the preferred choice of the sports ministry, Gianni Rivera has also reportedly put himself forward for the presidency. Rivera represents a different era of Italian glory, bringing a pedigree that includes the 1969 Ballon d’Or and a European Championship title in 1968.

A midfield maestro who spent 19 seasons at AC Milan—serving as captain for 12 of them—Rivera’s influence extends beyond the pitch. He earned 60 caps for Italy and was a key part of the squad that finished as World Cup runners-up in 1970. His candidacy offers the FIGC a candidate with deep political experience and a legacy as one of the most prolific midfielders in Serie A history, with 128 goals across 527 appearances.

For a federation desperate to recapture its former prestige, Rivera’s status as one of the greatest Italian players of all time provides a symbolic weight that few other candidates can match.

A Federation in Flux: The Great Resignation

The race for the presidency is not happening in a vacuum. We see the result of a total collapse of the previous regime. The failure to reach the World Cup for three straight cycles has led to a sweeping exodus of leadership. Alongside President Gravina, the federation has seen the resignations of:

• Gennaro Gattuso: The former coach.
• Gianluigi Buffon: The delegation chief.

This mass departure signals a desire for a complete cultural reset. The FIGC is no longer looking for a mere administrator; it is searching for a reformer. The primary mandate for the next president will be to enact structural changes that prioritize and value Italian youth development, ensuring the national team does not suffer another prolonged absence from the world’s biggest stage.

The Road to June 22

The timeline for the transition is tight. The election for the new FIGC President is scheduled for June 22. Under federation rules, new candidates must be officially confirmed at least 40 days prior to the vote.

As the deadline approaches, the Italian football community is watching to see if the federation will opt for the administrative potential of Maldini or the legendary prestige of Rivera. Both men represent the pinnacle of the sport, but they bring different philosophies to a role that requires as much political navigation as it does sporting knowledge.

The stakes could not be higher. With the national team’s reputation at an all-time low, the winner of the June 22 election will inherit the most challenging job in Italian sports: rebuilding the Azzurri from the ground up.

Next Checkpoint: The FIGC candidate confirmation deadline occurs 40 days prior to the June 22 election. We will provide updates as official nominations are filed.

Do you suppose a legendary player is the right choice to lead the FIGC, or does Italy need a career administrator to fix the system? Let us know in the comments.