Maldini heads US franchise Miami FC

The North American Soccer League (NASL) will expand in 2016, after Miami FC – co-owned by former Italy defender Paolo Maldini – was launched.

Maldini, 46, has teamed up with president and co-owner Riccardo Silva to bring football to Miami, with the club to begin playing in the second-tier NASL next year, it was announced on Wednesday.

Miami FC, who will also compete in the US Open Cup, will play their home matches in one of city's "existing world class stadiums".

Wednesday's news come as iconic ex-England international David Beckham has long been looking to launch an MLS franchise in Miami, though finding a location for a football-specific stadium has proved a stumbling block.

"I'm proud and excited to be part of this venture. I strongly believe in the growth of soccer in the USA, and this is the perfect project to develop a top-class soccer team in one of the most important cities in the world," said Maldini, who won seven Serie A titles during his illustrious career with Milan.

"We are glad not only to bring a professional soccer team to Miami, but also to support all of its communities through our social responsibility commitment. We believe that the fast-growing NASL will be the perfect platform to develop a successful team and a valuable business.

"Miami has been my second home for 15 years, so I look forward to spending more and more time here as co-owner of Miami FC, giving my enthusiastic contribution for its success."

Silva added: "Soccer is the fastest growing professional sport in the USA, and Miami is a dynamic and multi-cultural city that is passionate for sports and has been longing for a marquee soccer franchise.

"Soccer and international culture are a perfect combination - especially for the youth and future generations to come - and it is highly valuable having Paolo Maldini, who will bring his soccer knowledge and shares our vision and our passion."

Latest in
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed
Alan Shearer celebrates one of his five goals for Newcastle United against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.
'My Premier League record won't last forever. It will go one day and when it does go, and if it's to Harry, he knows I'd be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand': Alan Shearer magnanimous when discussing biggest threat to goalscoring record
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou - with London rivals' boss lined up: report
Troy Deeney last played for Forest Green in 2023
Troy Deeney tipped for remarkable football return despite not playing since 2023
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
Latest in News
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed
Alan Shearer celebrates one of his five goals for Newcastle United against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.
'My Premier League record won't last forever. It will go one day and when it does go, and if it's to Harry, he knows I'd be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand': Alan Shearer magnanimous when discussing biggest threat to goalscoring record
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou - with London rivals' boss lined up: report
Troy Deeney last played for Forest Green in 2023
Troy Deeney tipped for remarkable football return despite not playing since 2023
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva