AC Milan and Italy football legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, his former club confirmed on Friday.
Baresi, a one-club man who spent his entire 20-year career with AC Milan, is widely considered one of the greatest defenders in the history of the sport. The club shared a poignant statement expressing deep sorrow over his passing.
"The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi," the statement read. "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."
During his illustrious career, Baresi served as captain for 14 years and was instrumental in AC Milan's success, helping the team secure six Serie A titles and three European Cups, among numerous other accolades. In 1999, his contributions were recognized when he was named AC Milan's Player of the Century.
Known by the nickname 'Piscinin,' Baresi was also a part of the Italy national team that won the World Cup in 1982. He came close to winning a second World Cup in 1994, but Italy fell to Brazil in a penalty shootout in the final.
Earlier this week, AC Milan was compelled to deny circulating rumors of Baresi's death after he had been admitted to a hospital in Milan. Italian outlet Tuttosport had initially reported the misinformation, which led to tributes from fans, including Italy's deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini.
Baresi had previously undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently received cancer-prevention immunotherapy.
His last public appearance was at the San Siro stadium, where he and former Inter Milan rival Beppe Bergomi carried the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics earlier this year.