The Lighthouse Has Gone Out: Franco Baresi's Modesty Was the Secret to His Magic
Franco Baresi, who passed away at 66, remains the ultimate model of the perfect defender who turned the game into art. His humility and lifelong loyalty to AC Milan made him a legend both on and off the pitch.
For millions of football fans, Franco Baresi, who passed away at the age of 66, was and remains the ultimate model of the perfect defender, the man who turned the defensive game into pure art. But for me, and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him closely, the departure of the number 6 shirt is first and foremost a personal loss of an extraordinary person, who was great on the pitch and even greater off it.
I had the privilege of meeting Franco several times over the years, around sports projects related to the State of Israel, including activities of 'Soccerstars' and events of 'Milan Club Israel', the official fan club. Of all the meetings, two are etched in my heart and memory in a special way.
The first time happened when I was invited to a professional meeting at the club's offices in Milan with the goal of promoting and bringing to Israel the glorious veterans' team, 'Milan Glorie', for a historic exhibition match. What I did not know in advance was that inside the conference room, none other than Baresi himself was waiting for us. I entered the room, all excited, introduced myself, and he, with that famous modesty, reached out his hand and introduced himself back with a warm smile. I smiled and said to him with excitement: 'Franco, there is not a single football fan in the world who does not know you.'
The second meeting took place within the framework of a professional coaching seminar of 'Soccerstars' in Milan. We finished the fascinating seminar with an intimate Q&A session with Baresi. Even there, in front of a group of Israeli coaches thirsty for knowledge, his modesty stood out above all else. He answered with endless patience and great grace, and at the end, he was happy to take pictures kindly with everyone. The highlight for me was when I presented him with an official Israel national team shirt, on which we specially printed his name and the iconic number 6 on the back. He accepted the gesture with excitement and proved once again that he is a true friend of Israel.
This wonderful modesty was also the secret of his magic on the pitch. Baresi was the compass and the beating heart of 'Grande Milan' in the late 80s and early 90s. Under the revolutionary leadership of Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, he masterfully conducted one of the strongest defensive units in history, alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti. He was never the tallest or most physical defender, but his supreme vision of the game and the ability to read the opponent's moves two steps ahead of everyone made him completely impassable.
The greats of the generation admired him: Romario said that Baresi was the toughest defender he played against in the 94 World Cup final; Maradona defined him as the best defender in the world; Paolo Maldini testified that he was the best player he played alongside and that he inspired him as a mature person.
The legacy that Baresi left behind is a lighthouse of loyalty and dedication, values that have almost disappeared from modern football. He played for Milan throughout his career, stayed with it even when it went down to the second division, and led it as captain back to the top of the world. He won every possible title: Italian champion, European champion, and world champion with the national team. The club did him a royal favor and retired his shirt with the number 6 while he was still alive.
Today, as we look with sadness at the current Italian national team, the deep longing for that golden generation of true leaders only grows and intensifies. Thank you for all the moments of happiness and inspiration you provided us, Capitano. We will never forget you.
The author is the owner of 'Soccerstars' and manager of the official Milan fan club in Israel.
