Franco Baresi: AC Milan and Italy icon dies aged 66 as tributes pour in | OneFootball

Football mourns passing of legendary defender who left an enduring legacy

and Italy icon Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders in football history, has died at the age of 66.

Baresi’s passing was confirmed in a statement released by Milan on Friday morning, which read: “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 iconic number 6 shirt is.

On Wednesday evening, Milan dismissed false rumours circulating on social media that Baresi had already died following a period of ill health, saying he was “going through a difficult and delicate time”.

The club’s honorary vice-president revealed in August 2025 that he had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and would begin a course of immunotherapy.

Baresi leaves a legacy as a true all-time football great, a generational defender who won a plethora of major silverware during a one-club career with Milan spanning 20 years in which he made 716 competitive appearances between 1977-97.

That period included six Serie A titles and three European Cups, plus four Italian Super Cups, two European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.

Baresi - whose older brother Giuseppe is a legend at Milan’s fierce rivals Inter - was also an integral figure at international level with Italy, captaining his country and winning the 1982 World Cup in Spain. He earned 81 senior caps in total.

After retiring, Baresi spent several years coaching in Milan’s youth ranks and had a short stint as Fulham’s director of football in 2002, during the managerial reign of Jean Tigana.

In February, he joined fellow Italy great Giuseppe Bergomi as a surprise torchbearer during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics at Milan’s San Siro.

Milan added on Baresi’s passing: “Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult.

“But everyone at the club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory. We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times.

“We lost Franco only a few months after his last public appearance in a packed San Siro, at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony, an event on the world stage he helped make unforgettable.

“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”