Italian football legend Franco Baresi dies at 66

Franco Baresi, former AC Milan captain and one of the greatest defenders in Italian and world football history, has died at the age of 66. Milan confirmed the sad news on Friday (August 1) but did not disclose the specific cause.

"All of AC Milan's history is in tears," the club's statement read. "His example and integrity will forever be etched into the club's DNA, as will his legendary number 6 shirt. AC Milan's condolences go out to Franco Baresi's family in this difficult moment, and it is a pain shared by every Rossonero."

According to Italian media reports, in August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule and subsequently began immunotherapy treatment. His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February, where he and Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi carried the torch into the San Siro stadium.

A career devoted to one club

Baresi rose through Milan's youth academy and made his first-team debut in 1978 at just 17. Even when Milan were relegated to Serie B in 1982, he stayed and was handed the captain's armband at 22, before helping Italy win the World Cup that same year.

Baresi's illustrious career was tied to Milan's golden era in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He made more than 700 appearances for the red-and-black stripes, winning three Champions League titles, six Serie A titles, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Super Cups, and four Italian Super Cups.

Besides the 1982 world title, Baresi also finished runner-up with Italy at the 1994 World Cup. In the final against Brazil, he was one of three Italian players to miss in the fateful penalty shootout. In 1989, he finished second in the Ballon d'Or voting, behind teammate Marco van Basten.

The number 6 shirt retired forever

When Baresi retired in 1997, Milan decided to retire his number 6 shirt permanently, an unprecedented move in Italian football history. The club also held a special tribute match featuring many stars he had played with and against. In 2020, he was appointed honorary president of Milan.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed on social media platform X: "The passing of Franco Baresi leaves Italy without one of the greatest champions in sports history, and a model of loyalty, professionalism, and dedication."

Milan president Gerry Cardinale said: "For many generations, Franco embodied the values, qualities, and excellence that define this club. Even while fighting the biggest challenge of the past year, he was always present for the club and reminded us of the meaning of these colors. Franco's legacy is profound and will endure forever."

Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago called Baresi "an extraordinary champion who wore only two colors throughout his career: the Milan shirt and the Italy national team shirt." He said the federation would hold a tribute to Baresi during the national team's next match.

Baresi captained Italy at the 1994 World Cup. In the final against Brazil, he was one of three Italian players to miss in the fateful penalty shootout, as his side watched the opponent lift the trophy.

In 1989, Baresi finished second in the European Ballon d'Or voting, behind teammate Marco van Basten. When he retired in 1997, Milan retired his number 6 shirt permanently, the first time in Italian football history any club had done so. The club also held a special tribute match featuring many stars he had played with and against. In 2020, Baresi was appointed honorary president of Milan.

Rejected by Inter, became a legend at Milan

Few know that young Baresi once had ties to Inter Milan, where he went for a trial. However, Inter turned him down to sign his brother Giuseppe Baresi, and Franco subsequently joined the youth academy of their city rivals. The image of the Baresi brothers exchanging pennants before each Milan derby in the late 1980s became an iconic symbol of Italy's classic fixture.

Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, captain of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team, shared on X: "On November 19, 1995, I made my Serie A debut for Parma at 17, and across the pitch stood the Milan captain, Franco Baresi. For a kid like me, sharing the field with champions like him was unbelievable. From that day, I understood better what it means to represent football with class, leadership, and respect. Farewell Franco, rest in peace."

In his last interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport last year, Baresi said: "When I first arrived at Milanello (Milan's training center) at 14, I felt like I was stepping into paradise."