AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, bringing to an end the life of one of football’s greatest defenders.
The Italian giants confirmed his passing on Thursday, describing their former captain as a player whose “example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA.”
Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career at AC Milan after making his debut in 1977. He remained with the club until his retirement in 1997, making 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals.
During his remarkable career, he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups or UEFA Champions League trophies, four Italian Super Cups, two European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
Baresi captained Milan for 15 seasons and became the heart of one of the finest defensive units in football history. Alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti, he helped define one of the club’s most successful eras.
At international level, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy. He was part of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup, although he didn’t feature during the tournament.
Twelve years later, he played a pivotal role in Italy’s run to the 1994 World Cup final despite recovering from a serious knee injury. In the final against Brazil, Baresi produced a memorable defensive display to keep Romario and Bebeto quiet during a draw.
The match was eventually decided by penalties, the first World Cup final to do so. Baresi missed Italy’s opening spot-kick as Brazil claimed the trophy with a 3-2 shootout victory.
Following his retirement, Baresi remained closely connected to AC Milan. In 2020, he was appointed the club’s honorary vice-president. Four years later, Milan permanently retired his iconic number six shirt in recognition of his extraordinary contribution.
Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. His final public appearance came in February this year during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
Milan’s Statement
Paying tribute, AC Milan wrote on X:
“Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.”
In a separate statement, the club said announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan was incredibly difficult.
“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”
