Franco Baresi dies at 66 as AC Milan confirms passing of legendary captain and Italy World Cup winner on Friday.
Italian football is in mourning. Former AC Milan captain and Italy defensive icon, Franco Baresi, has died at the age of 66.
The club confirmed the sad news on Friday morning in an emotional statement shared on their official X handle. AC Milan said its entire history is in tears following his passing.
According to the Rossoneri, Baresi's example and integrity will forever remain in the club's DNA, just like his iconic number 6 shirt which was retired in his honour.
This confirmation comes just a day after the club was forced to deny false rumours about his death that spread on social media. On Wednesday, AC Milan had released a statement saying the reports were completely false. The club confirmed the tragic news officially on Friday morning.
Baresi had been battling health issues in recent years. Last year, the club revealed he underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and was placed on recovery treatment. Reports later said he had surgery in August 2025 and was undergoing immunotherapy.
Despite his health challenges, he made one final memorable public appearance in February. He was one of the torchbearers for the Milano Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony, walking alongside his old rival Giuseppe Bergomi.
Baresi was more than a player for Milan. He was the soul of the club.
He spent his entire 20-year career at AC Milan, making 719 appearances and captaining the side for 15 seasons before retiring in 1997. He remains the first player in Milan's history to have his shirt number retired.
During that period, he led Milan through its most glorious era. He won six Serie A titles and three European Cups and was later voted AC Milan's Player of the Century in 1999.
His loyalty was never in doubt. When Milan were relegated to Serie B twice in the early 80s, Baresi stayed and helped bring the club back to the top flight on both occasions.
For Italy, he was equally influential. He was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup and captained the Azzurri to the 1994 final against Brazil. That final remains unforgettable, as he played the full 120 minutes just 25 days after knee surgery. In total, he earned 81 caps for Italy.
Tributes have poured in from across football. Inter Milan described him as a captain and flag bearer who defined the Milan Derby rivalry, while Juventus hailed him as a man whose talent entered history and whose humanity kept him there forever.
Baresi served as AC Milan's honorary vice president after retirement. For many fans, he was not just a defender, but the very definition of Rossoneri.
He will be deeply missed.
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