AC Milan great Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66.
The club said his “example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA.”
Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career at Milan from 1977 to 1997. He captained the side for 15 seasons, made 719 appearances and scored 33 goals.
During that time he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups/Champions Leagues, four Supercoppa Italianas, two European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
Regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, Baresi anchored one of Europe’s most famous backlines alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti.
For Italy, he won 81 caps and was part of the 1982 World Cup-winning squad. He also played in the 1994 final against Brazil, returning from a knee injury to help contain Romario and Bebeto in a 0-0 draw. He missed the first penalty in the shootout as Brazil won 3-2.
In 2020, Baresi was named AC Milan’s honorary vice-president. The club retired his iconic No.6 shirt in 2024.
Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. His last public appearance was at the San Siro for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February.
In a statement on X, AC Milan wrote: “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.”
On the club website it added: “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.
In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”
AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi Dies at 66
