Baresi: Football Legend Dies at 66
AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi, one of football's greatest defenders, dies aged 66.
The update
Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain and Italy World Cup winner, has died at age 66. The club announced his death, calling their entire history “in tears.” Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career with Milan from 1977 to 1997, making over 700 appearances and winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups.
Why it matters
Baresi was widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time and a true one-club player. He captained Milan for 15 seasons and was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning squad. His legacy extends beyond statistics—he embodied loyalty, professionalism, and dedication that left an indelible mark on football history.
What to watch
Tributes continue to pour in from across the football world. The exact cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, though Baresi had undergone surgery in 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently received immunotherapy treatment. His last public appearance was at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February.
Sources
- aljazeera.com — official announcement of Baresi's death and club's tribute
- bbc.co.uk — career details and tributes from football world