Football pays tribute to Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi | OneFootball

Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid among those honouring legendary Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, who has died at the age of 66.

Football clubs, players and fans pay tribute to Franco Baresi, who died last night at 66.

The former Milan and Italy defender underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and then began a course of immunotherapy.

Milan announced the death of their legend in the morning, and the Rossoneri’s statement was followed by reactions from several Italian and European clubs as well as football fans on social media.

“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,” Milan wrote.

“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.”

Milan’s city rivals Inter paid tribute to Baresi with a statement. Baresi’s brother Giuseppe, 68, was a former Inter player who spent almost his entire playing career, except for the last two seasons, with the Nerazzurri.

“President Giuseppe Marotta and everyone at FC Internazionale Milano stand in solidarity with the Baresi family and his brother Beppe during this time of grief,” wrote the Nerazzurri.

“Franco Baresi has passed away, taking with him one of the figures who most defined the history of the Milan derby through consistency and excellence. AC Milan captain, team leader and club icon, he built his career on defensive intelligence and leadership that earned recognition even from his opponents.

“Born in Travagliato on 8 May 1960, Baresi made 719 appearances and scored 33 goals for the Rossoneri, spending 20 years exclusively with Milan, between 1977 and 1997. In the 35 derbies he played against Inter, his name became synonymous with composure and reliability in a rivalry that was always filled with intensity.

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Franco Baresi looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Within that rivalry, the strongest bond was the one with Giuseppe Baresi. Two brothers, two captains, who grew up together and later found themselves wearing opposite colours, yet remained united by a respect that was never in question. For them, the derby was never just a match: it was a direct challenge, a responsibility, but also a balance to be protected. “We tried to leave it outside the door. There was always the concern that neither of us would get injured,” Franco recalled. And then there was that almost everyday normality before the game: joking together, a way of easing the tension before 90 minutes that meant much more than just a football match for Milan.

“On 2 March 1980, the day San Siro was named after Giuseppe Meazza, that story was captured in one defining image: the Baresi brothers facing each other inside a stadium that was becoming an even stronger symbol of the city and its rivalry. A photograph that tells the story of the derby better than many words. The final image, once again inside San Siro: the Olympic Torch ceremony, carried together with Beppe Bergomi. An endless derby, a bond with the city that remains unbreakable.

“From Inter and the entire Nerazzurri world, the memory of a great opponent, a protagonist of the battles that helped shape the very meaning of the Milan derby. With respect.”

The Nerazzurri vice-president Javier Zanetti penned a personal message for the Milan legend: “Icon, captain, legend, 6 Forever. Rest in peace, Franco.”

Juventus honoured Baresi with a social media post: “There are people who, through their talent, make history. And there are others who, through their humanity, remain in it forever. Franco Baresi was both,” the Bianconeri wrote.

“He embodied class, elegance, leadership and respect, on and off the pitch. An inspiration to generations of players and fans alike, he was admired and respected by everyone who loves the game.

“His legacy will live on forever.

“Juventus Football Club extends its deepest condolences to the Baresi family and to Milan during this time of profound sorrow.”

La Liga giants Real Madrid also released a statement: “Real Madrid C. F., its president, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Franco Baresi, one of the greatest legends of AC Milan, Italian football, and world football.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family and loved ones, his teammates, and AC Milan, the club of his life.

“Franco Baresi’s career was marked by his dedication to a single club, AC Milan, as well as the Italian national team. With AC Milan, he played 719 matches and won 3 European Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 6 Italian League titles, and 4 Italian Super Cups.

“With the Italian national team, he participated in three World Cups and was crowned world champion in the 1982 World Cup in Spain, during the unforgettable final at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

“Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66. Rest in peace.”

Football fans have been sharing pictures and videos on social media to honour the memory of one of the greatest players of all time, a serial Serie A and Champions League winner with Milan and a 1982 Italy World Cup champion.

One of the most poignant is a video from 1989 after a Serie A match between Milan and Napoli. It shows the legendary Diego Armando Maradona walking towards the dressing room wearing Baresi’s shirt.

“This one is from a big player. I think that Franco Baresi is the best defender,” said the Argentine legend.

Tributes pour in for legendary Baresi