Football legend Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66
The legendary former star of AC Milan and the Italian national team died after a prolonged battle with illness. Baresi played his entire career for the Rossoneri, recording 719 appearances and winning six championships and three European Cups. He lifted the World Cup with Italy in 1982 and became one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game.
The football world says goodbye to one of the greatest defenders of all time. Franco Baresi, captain of AC Milan and the Italian national team and one of the greatest symbols in the history of the game, passed away at the age of 66 after a battle with illness. Thousands of fans have begun arriving at the San Siro stadium to pay their final respects.
AC Milan, the club where he became a legend, published an emotional farewell statement:
«The history of Milan mourns the passing of Franco Baresi. His personal example and the mark he left will accompany the club forever. Just like the number 6 shirt, his legacy will remain an inseparable part of Milan's DNA. Our condolences to Franco's family and all the Rossoneri fans in this difficult moment.»
«There are people who enter the history books thanks to their talent and there are those who do so thanks to their humanity - Franco Baresi entered thanks to both of these things,» Juventus paid tribute. «His memory will be eternal.»
In 2025, Baresi underwent surgery following the discovery of a lung nodule, and in recent months he continued to fight the illness with the same determination that characterized him throughout his career. Despite his health condition, he still managed to appear at the San Siro and was even chosen to be one of the torchbearers at the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Baresi was born on May 8, 1960, and at the age of 14 lost both his parents. Shortly after, he joined the youth department of AC Milan - the club that would become his home for his entire career. Ironically, it was Inter, the team he supported in his childhood, that rejected him, claiming he was too small and fragile. Milan recognized the talent, and the rest became history.
He made his Serie A debut in April 1978 under coach Nils Liedholm, and at the age of 22 was appointed team captain. He led Milan for many long years and became a symbol of loyalty, leadership, and professional excellence. In 19 seasons with the Rossoneri, he recorded 719 appearances - more than any other player in the club at that time - and won six Italian championships, three European Cups, three Intercontinental Cups, four European Super Cups, and four Italian Super Cups. After his retirement, Milan decided to «retire» the number 6 shirt, a gesture reserved only for the club's greatest.
He also left a huge mark with the Italian national team. He recorded 81 appearances, was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup in Spain, and later led the Azzurri as captain to the final of the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Although he missed the first penalty kick in the shootout against Brazil, the images of his tears after the loss became one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.
After retiring from playing in 1997, he continued to serve Milan in various management roles. Except for a short period as a sporting director at the English club Fulham, he remained loyal to the club of his life until his last day. Baresi is survived by his wife Maura, their two children - Edoardo and Gianandrea - and a tremendous legacy of leadership, professionalism, and rare loyalty to one club. For millions of Milan fans, he was not just a captain - but the face of the club for more than two decades.
