AC Milan and Italian football legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, bringing to a close the life of one of football’s greatest defenders and a player whose loyalty and leadership helped define one of the sport’s most successful eras.
AC Milan confirmed his passing in a heartfelt tribute, describing the former captain as a symbol of integrity and commitment whose legacy would forever remain part of the club’s identity.
In a statement shared on X, the Serie A giants said: “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 added on its official website that Baresi embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, pledging that his memory would continue to inspire generations of players and supporters.
Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history, Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career with AC Milan, making 719 appearances between 1977 and his retirement in 1997.
He captained the Rossoneri for 15 seasons, leading the club to an illustrious period that produced six Serie A titles, three European Cups/UEFA Champions League trophies, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
Baresi was also a cornerstone of one of football’s most celebrated defensive units alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti, helping establish Milan as a dominant force in European football during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
On the international stage, he earned 81 caps for Italy and was part of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Twelve years later, he captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil.
Despite recovering from a serious knee injury in time for the final and delivering an outstanding defensive performance to contain Brazil’s attack, Baresi missed Italy’s opening penalty in the first World Cup final to be decided by a penalty shootout, as Brazil claimed the title with a 3-2 victory.
Following his retirement, Baresi remained closely associated with AC Milan. In 2020, he was appointed the club’s honorary vice-president, while his iconic number six jersey was permanently retired in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the club.
Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. His last public appearance came in February when he attended the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics at San Siro Stadium.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the football world.
Former teammate Paolo Maldini paid an emotional tribute, describing Baresi as his greatest footballing mentor.
“Today, I feel the same way I did whenever you couldn’t take the field alongside us: how will we manage without our captain?” Maldini said.
“You taught me to fight until my very last breath and showed me the meaning of devotion to the jersey and the true value of leadership. You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man and inspired me as an adult. You were the greatest footballer I ever had the honour of playing with.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also honoured the football icon, describing him as not only one of the greatest players in the history of the sport but also a model of loyalty, professionalism and dedication.
The president of the Italian Football Federation likewise praised Baresi’s lifelong commitment to AC Milan, saying his decision to spend his entire career with one club earned him a unique place in the hearts of football fans across Italy and around the world.
Baresi’s death marks the end of an era for AC Milan and Italian football, but his legacy as one of the game’s greatest defenders and most respected leaders is expected to endure for generations.
