AC Milan and Italian football legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, with the Serie A club paying tribute to its former captain as a symbol of loyalty, leadership and excellence whose legacy will remain permanently woven into the club’s history.
In a statement posted on X, AC Milan said: “Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.”
The club added on its official website: “Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory.
“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career at AC Milan, making 719 appearances between 1977 and his retirement in 1997. He captained the club for 15 seasons, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups/Champions League trophies, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
Baresi also formed part of one of Europe’s most celebrated defensive units alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti, helping establish Milan as one of the continent’s dominant teams during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy and was a member of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He later captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil.
Despite returning from a serious knee injury in time for the final and producing a commanding defensive display to contain Brazil’s attacking duo of Romario and Bebeto in a goalless draw, Baresi missed Italy’s opening penalty in the first World Cup final to be decided by a shootout, with Brazil eventually winning 3-2.
Following his retirement, Baresi remained closely associated with AC Milan. He was appointed the club’s honorary vice-president in 2020, while Milan permanently retired his iconic number six shirt four years later in recognition of his extraordinary contribution.
Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. His last public appearance came in February when he attended the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at the San Siro Stadium.
Former teammate Paolo Maldini led tributes to the Milan icon, reflecting on decades spent alongside the defender.
“Today, I feel the same way I did whenever – for whatever reason – you couldn’t take the field alongside us: how will we manage without our captain?
“You taught me to fight until my very last breath, and showed me the meaning of devotion to the jersey and the true value of leadership.
“You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult.
“You were the greatest footballer I ever had the honour of playing with.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute, describing Baresi as “not only one of the greatest champions in sports history, but also an example of loyalty, seriousness, and dedication.”
Meanwhile, the president of the Italian football federation praised Baresi’s lifelong commitment to AC Milan, saying his “romantic choice” to remain with one club throughout his career earned him a special place in the hearts of supporters and millions of Italians.
Boluwatife Enome
