Legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi, the captain of AC Milan in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away on Friday.
Legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi, the captain of AC Milan in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away on Friday.
He was 66.
Baresi was a vital member of AC Milan teams that captured three European Cups and six Serie A titles.
He was regarded as one of the greatest center backs in soccer history.
“Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi,” AC Milan said on X. “His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.”
Baresi became an AC Milan honorary vice-president in 2020.
“We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times,” the club continued on X.
“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.”
Baresi, who was born in Lombardy in May 1960, was a member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup championship team. He also was a key player on the team that lost to Brazil on penalty kicks in 1994.
In August 2025, Baresi had undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule.
Baresi made 81 international appearances for Italy, scoring once.