Legend Franco Baresi, a symbol of AC Milan and Italian football, passed away at the age of 66. The information was confirmed by AC Milan on July 31 (local time). He is considered one of the most outstanding and influential center-backs in football history.
In an official announcement, AC Milan expressed deep regret: "The entire history of AC Milan is in tears. Franco Baresi's example and integrity will forever be deeply engraved in the club's DNA, just like his legendary number 6 shirt".
The San Siro team did not announce the cause of his death. Previously, in August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a lung tumor and continued treatment with immunotherapy.
His most recent public appearance was at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, when he and former defender Giuseppe Bergomi carried the torch to San Siro stadium - a place associated with almost his entire playing career.
Franco Baresi is the embodiment of loyalty. He debuted for AC Milan's first team in 1978 when he was only 17 years old and spent 20 years of his career in this jersey. Even when the team had to play in Serie B in 1982, Baresi still decided to stay, before being given the captain's armband at the age of 22.
In Rossoneri's colors, he played more than 700 matches, won six Serie A championships and three European Champions Leagues, and became the leader of the Milan generation that dominated European football in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
At the national team level, Baresi has 81 caps for Italy. He was a member of the 1982 World Cup champion team and won the 1994 World Cup runner-up with the Azzurri. Despite missing penalties in the final against Brazil, his performance at the tournament is still considered one of the best campaigns of a defender.
In 1989, Baresi finished second in the Ballon d'Or race, only behind his teammate Marco van Basten.
When retiring in 1997, AC Milan decided to permanently hang his number 6 shirt.
