Franco Baresi, the legendary Italian defender and former AC Milan captain, has died at the age of 66.
The club announced his passing on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Baresi spent his entire 20-year career with Milan, winning the World Cup with Italy in 1982. The cause of death was not disclosed.
He had undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and was receiving immunotherapy.
His last public appearance was in February, when he carried the Olympic torch inside the San Siro during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, alongside former Inter defender Giuseppe Bergomi.
AC Milan expressed deep grief over the loss of its long-serving defender, who helped the club achieve global dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“The entire history of AC Milan is in tears,” the club said in a statement.
Milan highlighted Baresi's permanent impact on its heritage and extended sympathy to his family.
“His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is,” the statement added.
Italian political leaders also paid tribute.
Premier Giorgia Meloni wrote on X: “With the passing of Franco Baresi, Italy loses not only one of the greatest champions in its sports history, but also an example of loyalty, professionalism, and dedication.”
Baresi debuted for Milan at age 17 in April 1978 and remained loyal even during two relegations to Serie B.
He became captain at 22 and made over 700 appearances, winning three Champions League titles, six Serie A titles, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Supercups, and four Italian Supercups.
AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale praised Baresi's commitment during his final health struggles. “For generations, Franco embodied the values, character and excellence that define this club,” Cardinale said.
“Even as he battled his greatest challenge over the last year, he was always there for the club, quietly reminding us all what it means to wear these colors,” he added.
In his final media interview, Baresi recalled his early days with the club: “When I arrived at Milanello for the first time as a 14-year-old it seemed like entering paradise.”
Internationally, Baresi won the 1982 World Cup and was runner-up in 1994.
After his retirement in 1997, Milan retired his No. 6 jersey, a first in Italian soccer history, and later named him honorary president in 2020.
The Italian Soccer Federation confirmed an official tribute will take place during the national team's next fixture.
Federation president Giovanni Malagò said, “Italian soccer has lost one of its legends,” calling Baresi “an extraordinary champion who wore only two shirts for his entire career: those of Milan and Italy.”
Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon recalled facing Baresi in his professional debut in 1995.
“For a boy my age, finding myself on the field against champions like him was something incredible,” Buffon said on X.
“From that day on, I had an even clearer understanding of what it meant to represent football with class, leadership, and respect.
Ciao Franco. Rest in peace,” he added.
