Ciao capitano: Milan mourns Franco Baresi at legendary footballer’s funeral – in pictures
Franco Baresi, the AC Milan and Italy defender widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs in football history, was mourned by fans, former teammates and club officials at a funeral held at the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan. Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career at the club, becoming its captain and an enduring symbol of loyalty and excellence, so his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Italian and world football.
Mourners lined the square as the funeral cortege arrived, with banners declaring him an "immortal legend" and a club wreath reading "AC Milan to our Captain, forever." Former teammates including Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Roberto Donadoni and Mauro Tassotti helped carry his coffin or paid respects, while Roberto Baggio and Clarence Seedorf also attended. Current Milan players Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez broke from the club's pre-season tour to be present, alongside Milan majority owner Gerry Cardinale, Italy's sport minister Andrea Abodi and Milan's mayor Giuseppe Sala. During his career Baresi made 719 appearances for Milan, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and four Italian Super Cups, and the club retired his No 6 shirt after his retirement in 1997.
- Milan legend Franco Baresi mourned at funeral in Sant'Ambrogio basilica
- Former teammates Maldini, van Basten and Donadoni carried his coffin
- Baresi won six Serie A titles and three European Cups with Milan
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AC Milan is one of Italy’s leading football clubs, based in the city of Milan. Franco Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career there, becoming captain and making 719 appearances before retiring in 1997.
Baresi played as a centre-back, a defender positioned near the middle of the defence. He won six Italian league titles and three European Cups with Milan, and also represented Italy internationally. The club retired his number 6 shirt after he stopped playing.
His long service made him a central figure in Milan’s history, and his death brought together former teammates, current players and public officials. The tributes reflected his standing at the club and in Italian football.