AC Milan and Italy great Franco Baresi dies aged 66

AC Milan have announced the death of their former captain Franco Baresi at the age of 66, saying his "example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA."

Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career with the Italian club from 1977 until his retirement in 1997, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues. Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders ever, he captained Milan for 15 seasons, making 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals.

At international level, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy and was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup. He also featured in the 1994 final, where Italy lost to Brazil. In 2020, he became honorary vice-president of AC Milan, and four years later the club retired his number six shirt.

Baresi formed part of one of Europe's most celebrated defences alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti. He also lifted four Supercoppa Italianas, two European Super Cups and the Intercontinental Cup twice. During the 1994 World Cup, he returned from a knee injury to play in the final, largely nullifying the threat of Brazil's Romario and Bebeto in a 0-0 draw.

That match was the first World Cup final decided by a penalty shootout, with Baresi missing the opening spot-kick as Brazil triumphed 3-2. Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule, and his last public appearance was at the San Siro Stadium for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February.

"Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is," the club wrote on social media. In a further statement, they added: "Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi's memory."