AC Milan have confirmed club legend Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66, after a period of illness.
One of the greatest defenders in football history, Baresi spent his entire 20‑year professional career at Milan from 1977 to 1997, making 719 appearances and captaining the side for 15 seasons. He won 3 Champions League titles, 6 Serie A crowns, plus multiple domestic and European trophies — and was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup‑winning team. Milan retired his iconic number 6 shirt in his honour when he retired.
The club said in an official statement: “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his legendary number 6 shirt will remain.”
He had been battling illness for around a year, having undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule in 2025. His final public appearance was in February 2026, carrying the Olympic torch at San Siro for the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
