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AC Milan announced the death of Franco Baresi at the age of 66 in a statement that conveyed the club’s deep sorrow, saying it was in tears following his passing and noting that his example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA just as his iconic number 6 shirt is. The announcement on Thursday followed the club’s denial days earlier of false rumors about his death, with Yahoo Sports reporting that Baresi was said to be in a delicate health stage receiving full support from the club and his family. Baresi had made his final public appearance at San Siro in February for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Baresi spent his entire professional career at AC Milan after joining the club in 1977 and remaining until his retirement in 1997. According to the club’s records, the defender registered 719 appearances and 33 goals while winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups or Champions Leagues. He captained the side for 15 seasons, becoming a cornerstone of the team’s success in the 1980s and 1990s.
For Italy, Baresi earned 81 international caps and played a central role in the 1982 World Cup triumph. He also participated in the 1994 World Cup, starting in the final that Italy lost to Brazil. His performances for the national team cemented his reputation as one of the finest centre-backs in football history, a status supported by multiple expert rankings over the decades.
In retirement, Baresi continued his association with AC Milan, accepting the role of honorary vice-president in 2020. The club paid further tribute by retiring his number 6 shirt in 2024. These gestures reflected the enduring bond between the player and the institution he represented with such distinction throughout his career.
Baresi’s health had deteriorated in recent times, with the player undergoing surgery for a lung nodule in August 2025. Medical reports from that period indicated it was a serious procedure as he continued to make occasional appearances connected to the club.
FIFA included Baresi in its 2004 list of the 100 greatest living players, underlining his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His loyalty to AC Milan, where he never played for another club, set him apart in an era of increasing player mobility. The football community will remember him through the honors and records that trace his two decades at the highest level.
