Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan and Italy captain widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest defenders, has died at age 66.
AC Milan announced his death on July 31, declaring that the club’s “entire history” was in tears. No official cause of death was disclosed.
Baresi spent his entire 20-season professional career with Milan, remained loyal through two relegations and captained the club during one of the most successful periods in European soccer history.
AC Milan Said Baresi Will Guide the Club Forever
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Milan described Baresi’s integrity and example as inseparable from the club’s identity, just like the No. 6 jersey retired in his honor. “His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is,” the club said.
A longer tribute called him the “Rossonero of the Century” and promised that his influence would continue guiding future generations. “In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey,” Milan wrote. “Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”
Baresi remained closely connected to Milan after retiring and had served as its honorary vice president since 2020. His final public appearance came February 6 at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Baresi and former Inter Milan captain Giuseppe Bergomi carried the Olympic flame into San Siro before passing it to Italian volleyball captain Anna Danesi.
Paolo Maldini Remembered the Captain Who Guided Him
Tributes arrived from across Italian and international soccer, including from Paolo Maldini, who entered Milan’s first team as a teenager and later succeeded Baresi as captain. “You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult,” Maldini wrote. He called Baresi the greatest player he had the honor of playing alongside.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Baresi as both one of the country’s greatest sporting champions and an example of loyalty, professionalism and dedication. Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma, Napoli and Real Madrid also issued condolences. The Italian soccer federation said Baresi would be honored during the national team’s next matches.
He Gave His Entire Professional Career to Milan
Baresi joined Milan’s youth system as a teenager and made his first-team debut at age 17 in April 1978. He stayed when the club was relegated to Serie B following the 1980 Italian match-fixing scandal and remained after a second relegation in 1982. At 22, he became Milan’s captain.
Baresi eventually made 719 official appearances and scored 33 goals for the club. He wore the captain’s armband for 15 seasons before retiring in 1997. His Milan trophy collection included six Serie A championships, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Super Cups and four Italian Super Cups.
Under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, Baresi anchored a celebrated defense alongside Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti. Their positioning, coordinated pressing and offside trap helped Milan dominate domestically and internationally. After his retirement, Milan permanently withdrew his No. 6 jersey, making him the first player in club history to receive that honor.
His 1994 World Cup Final Became a Defining Performance
Baresi earned 81 appearances for Italy and was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup in Spain. He later captained the national team at the 1994 tournament in the United States. His participation in the final appeared unlikely after a knee injury required surgery during the group stage.
Baresi returned only 25 days after the operation and played all 120 minutes of the scoreless final against Brazil, organizing Italy’s defense against an attack led by Romário and Bebeto. Brazil won the penalty shootout 3-2. Baresi missed Italy’s opening attempt, sending the ball over the crossbar, but the mistake did not eclipse the performance that preceded it.
Baresi had also helped Italy finish third at the 1990 World Cup and placed second behind Milan teammate Marco van Basten in the 1989 Ballon d’Or voting.
Milan Disclosed His Health Treatment in 2025
AC Milan announced in August 2025 that doctors had discovered a pulmonary nodule during routine medical examinations. Baresi underwent a minimally invasive procedure to remove it. The club said the operation had been successful and his recovery had initially been free of complications.
An oncology specialist subsequently recommended a consolidative course of immunotherapy. Baresi thanked supporters and said he needed time to regain his strength. Neither Milan nor Baresi’s family identified that condition as his official cause of death in the July 31 announcement.