In brief
Franco Baresi, AC Milan’s iconic captain and one of football’s greatest defenders, passed away at 66. He spent his entire 20-year career (1977‑1997) at the club, winning six Serie A titles and three Champions League trophies, and captaining his team for 15 seasons. A 81‑cap Italian international, Baresi was part of the 1982 World Cup‑winning squad and played in the 1994 final. AC Milan confirmed his death with a statement stressing the enduring imprint of his style and integrity on the club’s DNA, and reflected on his number‑6 legacy. The former captain had undergone surgery in August 2025 and made his last public appearance in February at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony held at Saint‑Siro.
Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, and AC Milan has announced that his example and integrity will forever be etched into the club’s DNA. The former captain’s passing comes after a career that spanned every top tier of Italian football.
Baresi’s 20‑year tenure at AC Milan (1977‑1997) saw him win six Serie A championships and three European Cups, cementing his status as one of the greatest defenders in the sport. He captained the club for 15 seasons, making 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy, was part of the 1982 World Cup‑winning squad, and featured in the 1994 final against Brazil.
In 2020 he became an honorary vice‑president of AC Milan, and the club retired his number‑6 shirt four years later as a mark of respect. His health was reported to have improved after undergoing surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule.
Baresi’s last public appearance was in February at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony held at the San Siro stadium. AC Milan’s statement on X read: “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.”
