Franco Baresi, the legendary defender and former captain of AC Milan, has died at the age of 66. AC Milan announced his passing and expressed deep sorrow, stating that Baresi's "example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA," alongside his iconic number 6 shirt.

Baresi devoted his entire 20-year playing career to AC Milan from 1977 to 1997, during which he won six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues. He captained the club for 15 seasons, making 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals.

Internationally, Baresi was capped 81 times by Italy and was a member of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup.

In 2020, he was named honorary vice-president of AC Milan, and the club retired his number six shirt four years later. His health had been a concern after surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. His last public appearance was at the San Siro Stadium during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February 2026.

AC Milan posted on X: "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 iconic number 6 shirt is."

Sources