Franco Baresi has passed away aged 66. AC Milan said the legacy of their former captain, including his character and principles, would remain an enduring part of the club’s identity.
Baresi devoted his entire two-decade playing career to Milan, representing the club from 1977 until his retirement in 1997. During that time, he helped the team claim six Serie A championships and three European Cup or Champions League trophies.
Widely considered one of football’s finest defenders, Baresi wore the captain’s armband for 15 seasons and recorded 719 appearances and 33 goals for the club.
At international level, he earned 81 caps for Italy and belonged to the squad that lifted the 1982 World Cup. He also featured in the 1994 final, where Italy were defeated by Brazil.
Baresi was appointed AC Milan’s honorary vice-president in 2020, while the club officially withdrew his number six shirt four years afterward.
He underwent an operation in August 2025 to have a lung nodule removed. His final public appearance came at the San Siro Stadium during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February.
Announcing his death on X, AC Milan said the club was mourning Franco Baresi and that his values, conduct and famous number six shirt would always remain central to its heritage.
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