Milan and Italy legend Baresi dies at 66 | OneFootball

Milan and Italian football mourn Franco Baresi, who died last night at the age of 66.

Former Milan and Italy defender Baresi has died.

Milan pay tribute to legendary Baresi

“The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi,” Milan wrote in a statement.

“His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is. The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.”

AC Milan’s Italian Honorary vice-president and former player Franco Baresi arrives for the draw ceremony for the 2022-2023 UEFA Champions League football tournament in Istanbul on August 25, 2022. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

One year ago, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and had begun a course of immunotherapy.

On Wednesday evening, Milan denied reports that their legendary defender had died, but admitted Baresi was “going through a difficult and delicate time.”

Regarded as one of the best defenders of all time, Baresi spent his whole playing career with Milan, collecting 719 appearances across 19 seasons with the Serie A giants.

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)

He won, among other trophies, six Serie A titles and three Champions League titles at the club level. Additionally, he won the 1982 World Cup with Italy, although he did not play in the tournament that year.

He was the Azzurri captain in 1994, reaching the World Cup final under Arrigo Sacchi, one of his former Milan coaches.

Following his retirement in 1997, Milan honoured his remarkable career by retiring his iconic No. 6 jersey.

Baresi had been serving as Milan’s honorary vice-president since October 2020.