AC Milan has dismissed false social media reports claiming that club legend and honorary vice-president Franco Baresi has died.
The rumors spread widely online on Wednesday, prompting concern among supporters before the Italian club issued an official statement confirming that the reports were completely untrue.
In its statement, AC Milan condemned the circulation of the misinformation, noting that it had caused unnecessary anxiety for fans and added pressure on Baresi and his loved ones during an already challenging period.
The club said:
“AC Milan denies the false reports concerning Franco Baresi that have begun circulating in recent minutes. Franco is going through a difficult and delicate time, and the Club stands firmly alongside him and his family. We urge everyone to respect their privacy and refrain from spreading entirely unfounded information.”
The speculation appears to have gained momentum because of Baresi’s ongoing health battle. In August 2025, the 1982 FIFA World Cup winner revealed that doctors had removed a pulmonary nodule during surgery. Since then, he has been undergoing immunotherapy as part of his treatment.
With news of his health condition already public, many social media users mistakenly believed the fabricated reports, allowing the rumor to spread rapidly before AC Milan stepped in to clarify the situation.
Baresi remains one of the most celebrated figures in the club’s history. A lifelong Rossoneri, he joined AC Milan’s academy as a youngster and spent his entire professional career at the club, making his senior debut in 1977 before retiring in 1997.
During an illustrious 20-year career, the legendary defender made 716 competitive appearances, scoring 33 goals and providing 24 assists. He was the cornerstone of one of football’s greatest defensive units, playing alongside icons such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti.
His remarkable achievements include six Serie A titles, three European Cup/UEFA Champions League trophies, two Intercontinental Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and four Supercoppa Italiana titles, cementing his place among the greatest defenders the game has ever produced.
