Franco Baresi, the iconic former defender of AC Milan and the Italian national team, has passed away at the age of 66.
Considered one of the finest centre backs in football history, Baresi dedicated his entire career to the red and black of Milan, where he captained the team for 15 years and celebrated a World Cup victory with his national squad.
“The whole of AC Milan’s history is in mourning,” the club expressed in a statement on Friday.
“Franco’s legacy and integrity will forever be woven into the fabric of the club, just as his famous No. 6 jersey will remain iconic. The sympathies we extend to Franco Baresi’s family during this challenging time are shared deeply by every Rossonero, who feels this loss personally.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed. In August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and later started an immunotherapy regimen.
His final public appearance took place at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, where he carried the Olympic torch into San Siro alongside former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi.
Baresi spent two decades at Milan, during which he won three European Cups and six Serie A titles. He also earned 81 caps for Italy, culminating in a World Cup victory in 1982.
“Everyone at the club and all Milanisti must honor Franco Baresi’s memory,” the club remarked. “We must stay strong and draw upon every ounce of strength in this incredibly sorrowful moment.”
A genuine one-club player, Baresi rose through the ranks at Milan and debuted for the first team at just 17 years old in April 1978.
He chose to remain with Milan even after the club was relegated to Serie B for the second time in three years in 1982, just prior to helping Italy clinch the World Cup that summer and assuming the captaincy at the age of 22.
Baresi made over 700 appearances for the Rossoneri, leading the team to worldwide acclaim during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In addition to the 1982 World Cup triumph, Baresi helped Italy secure a runner-up finish in the 1994 World Cup, where he was among the three Azzurri players to miss a penalty in the shootout loss to Brazil.
Baresi finished second to teammate Marco van Basten for the Ballon d’Or in 1989.
Upon his retirement in 1997, Milan retired his No. 6 jersey—the first such honor in Italian football history. The club also hosted a tribute match featuring many stars whom Baresi had played alongside and against.
In 2020, he was appointed honorary president of Milan.
Information from The Associated Press has been included in this report.