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.
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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.
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Ciao Franco. Rest in peace,” he added.
