Italian football icon and AC Milan legend Franco Baresi has reportedly died at the age of 66, bringing an end to the life of one of the greatest defenders the game has ever seen.
AC Milan confirmed the news in an emotional statement released on Friday, paying tribute to a player whose legacy helped define one of the club’s most successful eras.
“The entire history of AC 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 condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.”
Baresi, who served as AC Milan’s honorary vice-president, underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule before later receiving immunotherapy.
Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history, Baresi dedicated his entire professional career to AC Milan. Across two decades with the Rossoneri, he made 719 appearances, captaining the club to numerous domestic and European titles. In recognition of his extraordinary loyalty and achievements, Milan retired his famous No. 6 shirt following his retirement in 1997.
His influence on the sport extended far beyond club football. In 1999, Baresi was voted AC Milan’s Player of the Century, while Pelé included him among the FIFA 100—his list of the world’s greatest living footballers—in 2004. He was later inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
On the international stage, Baresi enjoyed an equally distinguished career with Italy. He was part of the Azzurri squad that lifted the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain and later starred at the 1990 World Cup, where Italy finished third and he earned a place in the tournament’s All-Star Team.
Four years later, Baresi captained Italy to the 1994 FIFA World Cup final in the United States, where the Azzurri narrowly lost to Brazil on penalties. He also represented his country at the UEFA European Championships in 1980 and 1988, as well as the 1984 Olympic Games, reaching the semi-finals in each competition.
Franco Baresi’s legacy will endure through his remarkable achievements, leadership, and unwavering commitment to AC Milan and Italian football. He will be remembered as a defensive master whose impact on the game inspired generations of players and supporters around the world.
