Franco Baresi, a legendary figure in Italian soccer and a stalwart defender for AC Milan, has died at the age of 66. His passing was confirmed on Friday, with AC Milan stating, "The entire history of AC Milan is in tears."
Baresi's club career was defined by his two decades with AC Milan, where he made over 700 appearances and was instrumental in the team's global dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his tenure, he helped secure three European Cups and six Serie A titles. He demonstrated his loyalty by remaining with the club when it was relegated to Serie B in the 1970s.
Internationally, Baresi was a key member of the Italy national team, winning the 1982 World Cup and contributing to a second-place finish in the 1994 tournament. His impactful career led AC Milan to retire his iconic No. 6 jersey.
Baresi's last public appearance was at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, where he carried the torch into the San Siro stadium, his former home ground. The club noted that his "example and integrity will remain forever embedded in the club’s DNA."
In August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently began a course of immunotherapy. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed. AC Milan expressed its condolences, stating that the loss is felt deeply by the club and its supporters.