Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, one of the most recognisable players of the golden era of Italian football in the 1980s and 1990s, has died on Friday, at the age of 66.
AC Milan have not specified the cause of Baresi’s death.
“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. 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 wrote on X.
According to AS, Baresi died after a struggle that lasted about a year and began with the removal of a pulmonary nodule, which had him increasingly set aside.
Baresi’s stellar record as a player
Franco Baresi spent his entire professional career at AC Milan, making 719 appearances for the club between 1977 and 1997 and captaining the Rossoneri for 15 years.
Baresi won six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Super Cups, and four Italian Super Cups, becoming one of the greatest defenders in football history.
In recognition of his extraordinary loyalty and achievements, AC Milan retired his iconic No. 6 shirt following his retirement.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy, scoring one goal. He was part of the 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad. He later captained the Azzurri to the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, where he delivered a memorable performance after recovering from knee surgery, despite Italy’s defeat to Brazil on penalties.
Even in retirement, Baresi remained closely connected to the club he loves, serving as AC Milan’s honorary vice president.
