“Milan is heartbroken over the loss of Franco Baresi. His legacy and integrity will always be a part of the Club’s identity, just like his iconic number 6 jersey,” AC Milan stated on X, where Baresi also served as honorary vice-president since 2020.
A World Cup champion with Italy in 1982 and a finalist in the 1994 tournament, Baresi is celebrated as one of the greatest sweepers in football history.
The cause of Baresi’s death has not been clarified by AC Milan.
In August 2025, he underwent surgery to address a lung nodule.
“It will require some time for me to regain all my strength,” he remarked shortly after the procedure.
Baresi was born in Lombardy in May 1960 and joined the AC Milan youth teams in 1974, making his way to the first team in 1978 just before turning 18.
At 18, he became a regular starter and was named captain at 22, renowned for his technical ability, intelligence, tackling prowess, and exceptional leadership skills. He formed a formidable defense alongside Paolo Maldini, Mauro Tassotti, and Alessandro Costacurta, striking fear into opposing strikers across Europe.
He concluded his career in 1997 after making 719 appearances for the Rossoneri, a record that was only surpassed by Maldini.
Beyond his club achievements, Baresi represented the national team 81 times, wearing the blue of Italy.
After winning the World Cup title from the sidelines in 1982, he was left out of the 1986 squad due to a disagreement with the national coach.
His aspirations for another World Cup victory were dashed during penalty shootouts, first in the semi-finals of the 1990 tournament and then again in the 1994 final.
