AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, bringing an end to the life of one of football’s greatest defenders.
The Rossoneri confirmed the news on Thursday, describing their former captain as a symbol whose “example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA.”
Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career at AC Milan after making his debut in 1977 before retiring in 1997. During that remarkable spell, he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups/UEFA Champions League trophies, four Italian Super Cups, two European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history, Baresi captained Milan for 15 seasons, making 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals. He also formed part of one of the game’s most iconic defensive units alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy, winning the 1982 FIFA World Cup before captaining the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final.
Despite returning from a knee injury to help Italy hold Brazil to a goalless draw, he missed the opening penalty in the shootout as Brazil claimed the title.
Following his retirement, Baresi remained closely connected to Milan, becoming the club’s honorary vice-president in 2020. Four years later, the club permanently retired his iconic number six shirt in recognition of his extraordinary contribution.
In a statement, AC Milan paid tribute to one of its greatest-ever players.
“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 six shirt is.”
The club added on its official website:
“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.”
