AC Milan and Italy great Baresi dies aged 66
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Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan and Italy captain widely regarded as one of football’s greatest defenders, has died aged 66. His death marks the loss of a defining figure in Milan’s history, whose leadership, loyalty and defensive excellence helped shape one of Europe’s most celebrated club sides.
Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career at Milan, making 719 appearances, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups, while his number six shirt was retired after his retirement in 1997. He won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and captained the side in the 1994 final, while Milan named him honorary president in 2020; tributes have since come from former team-mate Paolo Maldini, Gianluigi Buffon and rivals Inter Milan.
- AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has died aged 66.
- He won six league titles and three European Cups with Milan.
- Tributes praised his leadership, loyalty and lasting influence.
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Franco Baresi was one of the defining defenders in Italian football and a long-serving captain of AC Milan. He spent his entire senior playing career with the club, helping it become one of Europe’s leading teams during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
A central defender, Baresi was known for organising Milan’s back line and for his role in a team that won domestic league titles and major European competitions. Milan retired his number 6 shirt after his playing career, reflecting his place in the club’s history.
For Italy, Baresi was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup and later captained the national side. He also played in the 1994 World Cup final, which Italy lost to Brazil on penalties.