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| AC Milan legend Franco Baresi |
Summary
AC Milan legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66.
The Italian football great spent his entire playing career with AC Milan, winning multiple domestic and European titles.
The club says his legacy, leadership and integrity will remain part of Milan's identity forever.
The football world is mourning the death of AC Milan legend Franco Baresi, who has passed away at the age of 66. Read originsl
The Italian club confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, describing the former captain as one of the greatest figures in its history. AC Milan said Baresi's leadership, character and commitment to the club would forever remain part of its identity.
Baresi dedicated his entire professional career to AC Milan, playing for the Rossoneri from 1977 until his retirement in 1997. During those two decades, he established himself as one of football's greatest defenders.
He made 719 appearances for Milan, scored 33 goals and captained the club for 15 seasons. His trophy cabinet included six Serie A titles, three European Cups/UEFA Champions League trophies, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
On the international stage, Baresi represented Italy 81 times. He was a member of the Italian squad that lifted the 1982 FIFA World Cup and later captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final, where they finished runners-up after losing to Brazil.
After hanging up his boots, Baresi remained closely connected to AC Milan. He was appointed the club's honorary vice-president in 2020, while his famous number six shirt had earlier been retired in recognition of his remarkable contribution.
Throughout his career, he formed one of European football's most respected defensive partnerships alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti, helping define one of the game's greatest backlines.
Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. His final public appearance came in February this year when he attended the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics at the San Siro Stadium.
Reacting to his passing, 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."
The club also paid tribute on its official website, saying: "Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi's memory."
The statement concluded: "In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he'll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever."
