The 24-year-old Italian international, son of legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender Paolo Maldini, had his driving licence suspended after authorities found that his alcohol level was above Italy’s legal limit following the early-morning crash on Sunday, Sept 13.
The accident came only hours after Maldini had celebrated on the pitch following Cagliari’s victory over Atalanta.
According to reports from Reuters and Italian media, the crash happened at around 5.15am in northern Milan and involved two vehicles. Six people were involved in the collision, although authorities reported that the injuries were minor.
Breath Tests Above Italy’s Legal Limit
Authorities reportedly carried out two breath tests on Maldini following the crash. The tests recorded alcohol levels of 0.91 and 0.89, above Italy’s legal limit of 0.5.
His driving licence was subsequently suspended or confiscated under the applicable procedures, according to reports from Reuters and Italian media.
Maldini was taken to Milan’s Fatebenefratelli Hospital for medical checks following the accident. Reports from Italian outlets said he did not suffer serious injuries and was later discharged.
From Serie A Hero to a Crash Investigation
What made the incident even more striking was the timing.
Only hours earlier, Maldini had been celebrating after playing a decisive role in Cagliari’s victory over Atalanta, one of his former clubs. His winning contribution capped a strong start to the season for the attacking midfielder.
Maldini has been attempting to establish himself as one of Italy’s promising attacking talents after a career that has included spells with AC Milan and several other Serie A clubs.
His football journey also carries the weight of one of Italian football’s most famous surnames.
Daniel is the son of Paolo Maldini, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, and the grandson of Cesare Maldini, making him part of a remarkable three-generation football dynasty.
Drug Tests Reportedly Cleared
The crash initially triggered further medical and toxicological checks.
Reuters reported that Maldini underwent drug testing after the incident, while results were initially pending. However, Cagliari later said that his toxicology tests returned negative.
Investigations into the exact circumstances and dynamics of the two-car collision were still being examined by local authorities, according to Italian reports.
Will the Incident Affect Daniel Maldini’s Football Career?
Despite the serious off-field incident, Reuters reported that Maldini was expected to return to training with Cagliari.
The episode is nevertheless likely to draw significant attention because of the player’s famous surname, his status as an Italy international, and the extraordinary contrast between his night on the football field and what happened only hours later.
For Daniel Maldini, it was a night that began with the highs of Serie A football and ended with a hospital visit, a suspended driving licence and an ongoing investigation into a crash involving six people.
The big question now is whether the incident will remain an off-field setback — or become a bigger distraction as the young midfielder attempts to build his own legacy beyond the enormous shadow of the Maldini name.
From match-winning celebrations to a shocking early-morning crash, Daniel Maldini’s extraordinary 24 hours have suddenly become one of the most talked-about stories in Italian football.
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