AC Milan and Italy great Baresi dies aged 66

AC Milan is mourning the loss of Franco Baresi, a legendary defender and former captain who died at the age of 66. The club stated that his "example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA."

Baresi played his entire 20-year career with AC Milan, from 1977 to 1997. During his time with the club, he won six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues. He made 719 appearances and scored 33 goals, captaining the team for 15 seasons. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game.

Internationally, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy and was a member of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup. He also played in the 1994 World Cup final, which Italy lost to Brazil. In his later years, Baresi became honorary vice-president of AC Milan in 2020, and the club retired his iconic number six shirt four years later.

Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. His last public appearance was at the San Siro Stadium for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February. AC Milan expressed deep sorrow, stating that every supporter feels the loss as their own.

“

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.