
The football world is mourning the passing of Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders in the history of Italian football and an undisputed icon of Milan. The legendary former Rossoneri captain has passed away at the age of 66.
The news was confirmed by Milan itself through a reaction on social media, where the club said goodbye to one of the most important figures in its history.
"Milan history is in tears for the passing of Franco Baresi. His example, character and values will remain forever, just like the number 6 shirt, part of the club's DNA and history. Our condolences go to his family and to all the red and black fans at this painful moment," the club's message reads.
After retiring from football in 1997, Milan decided to permanently retire the number 6 shirt, in honor of its historic captain.
According to Italian media, Baresi underwent surgery in 2025 after a nodule was discovered in his lung. His condition seemed to have improved, but a relapse of the disease proved fatal. In recent days, fake news about his death had also circulated on social media, which has now been officially confirmed.
Franco Baresi was born on 8 May 1960 in Travagliato, near Brescia. He grew up in the Milan academy and made his debut with the first team in 1978, at the age of 17. Throughout his professional career, he wore only the Milan shirt, becoming the symbol of the club for more than two decades.
With the Rossoneri, he won 6 Italian championship titles, 3 Champions League Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 4 Italian Super Cups, 2 Serie B titles and a Mitropa Cup.
He also left an indelible mark on the Italian national team. He was part of the team that won the 1982 World Cup, although he did not play in any of the matches. He then won the bronze medal at the 1990 World Cup and the silver medal at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where, despite a serious meniscus injury during the tournament, he recovered for the final against Brazil.
Baresi will be remembered as one of the greatest defenders of all time, a symbolic captain and one of the figures who wrote the most glorious pages in the history of Milan and Italian football.