Franco Baresi, the iconic captain of AC Milan, died on July 31 at the age of 66.
Baresi spent his entire 20‑year playing career with the Rossoneri, debuting in 1977 and retiring in 1997. Over that time he secured six Serie A titles and three European Cups, a testament to his defensive mastery.
As captain for fifteen seasons, he made 719 appearances and scored 33 goals—remarkable figures for a centre‑back. In the national arena he was capped 81 times for Italy, celebrated the 1982 World Cup triumph, and appeared in the 1994 final against Brazil.
In 2020 he was named honorary vice‑president of AC Milan, and the club retired his #6 shirt four years later, underscoring his status in the club’s history.
After undergoing surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule, Baresi’s final public appearance was at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February 2026.
AC Milan mourns the loss of a symbol of integrity and leadership, announcing that his example will forever shape the club’s DNA.
The world of football will remember Franco Baresi as one of its greatest defenders—a legacy forged on the San Siro pitch and in the hearts of fans worldwide.
