Franco Baresi, one of football's greatest defenders and a symbol of AC Milan's golden era, has died at the age of 66. AC Milan confirmed the news on Friday, expressing grief at the loss of a club legend who spent his entire 20-year playing career with the Rossoneri, captained the side for 15 seasons, won six Serie A titles and three European Cups, and became the first player in the club's history to have his shirt number retired..
The Serie A giants did not disclose an official cause of death. However, Baresi had been battling serious health issues in recent years. In August 2025, he underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule before receiving specialist treatment. Despite his illness, he continued to make public appearances and in February this year, was among the surprise final torchbearers at the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, carrying the Olympic flame into Milan's historic San Siro alongside Inter Milan legend Giuseppe "Beppe" Bergomi.
Confirming his passing on social media, AC Milan wrote: "The entire history of AC 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 condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi's family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own."
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Born on May 8, 1960, Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career with AC Milan between 1977 and 1997, becoming the ultimate one-club man. He captained the Rossoneri for 15 seasons, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups, while helping establish one of the most dominant club sides in football history under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. Upon his retirement, Milan retired his iconic No. 6 shirt, making it the first jersey number to be retired in the club's history.
Internationally, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy, winning the 1982 FIFA World Cup and later captaining the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final. One of the defining moments of his career came in that tournament when, after undergoing knee surgery during the group stage, he returned just 25 days later to play all 120 minutes of the final against Brazil, producing a defensive masterclass to keep Romario and Bebeto at bay before Italy lost in a penalty shootout.
Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders the game has ever seen, Baresi revolutionised the sweeper role with his tactical intelligence, composure and ability to initiate attacks from deep. Alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti, he marshalled what is widely considered one of the greatest defensive units in football history, helping Milan perfect the high defensive line and offside trap that became the hallmark of Sacchi's revolutionary side.
His loyalty to the Rossoneri also became part of his enduring legacy. Rather than leave when Milan were relegated to Serie B twice in the early 1980s, Baresi stayed with the club, helping guide them back to the top flight before leading them to one of the most successful eras in European football. His influence extended far beyond trophies, cementing his place as one of the defining figures in Italian football history.
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