Franco Baresi, the legendary former AC Milan captain and renowned Italian defender, has passed away at the age of 66. AC Milan, the club where he dedicated two decades of his career, announced his death without revealing the cause. The club expressed its profound sorrow, stating, “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears.”
In August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule. He then began immunotherapy treatment. His final public appearance was during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February. Alongside Giuseppe Bergomi, he carried the torch into the San Siro stadium, where he once played. AC Milan honored Baresi’s legacy, noting, “His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.” The club extended condolences to Baresi’s family, stating that every Rossonero shares this loss.
Baresi was on Italy’s team that won the World Cup in 1982.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni highlighted Baresi’s impact, noting his loyalty, professionalism, and dedication. She shared her thoughts on social media, recognizing the loss of a sports icon.
Baresi remained loyal to AC Milan, debuting for the first team in 1978 at 17 years old. Even after the club’s relegation to Serie B, he chose to stay and was made captain at age 22. During his tenure, Baresi made over 700 appearances, steering Milan to global prominence. Under his captaincy, the team won three Champions League trophies, six Serie A titles, among other accolades.
Milan’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, remembered Baresi as someone who embodied the club’s values and character. He praised Baresi’s continuous presence and influence on the club, emphasizing the lasting impact of his legacy.
In an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport last year, Baresi shared cherished memories of being a Milan fan from a young age. He recalled his first visit to Milanello at 14 as “entering paradise.” Milan retired Baresi’s No. 6 jersey upon his retirement in 1997, marking a first in Italian soccer. The club celebrated his career with a special match featuring many renowned players.
In 2020, Baresi was named honorary president of Milan. Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malagò paid tribute, calling Baresi “an extraordinary champion.” He announced a national tribute to honor Baresi.
Reflecting on his early career, Baresi had trials at Inter Milan but joined AC Milan after Inter signed his brother, Giuseppe Baresi. While Giuseppe captained Inter, Franco led AC Milan, becoming a symbol of the Milan derby in the 1980s.
Gianluigi Buffon, former Italy captain, shared his experience of facing Baresi at 17, admiring Baresi’s class and leadership. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “From that day on, I had an even clearer understanding of what it meant to represent football with class, leadership, and respect. Ciao Franco. Rest in peace.”
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