Italian Football Legend Franco Baresi Dies At 66

July 31, 2026

(FILES) AC Milan's Honorary Vice President and former Italian player Franco Baresi looks on during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Genoa at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, on December 15, 2024. Italian defender Franco Baresi, the captain of AC Milan in the 1980s and 1990s when they won three European Cups and six Italian league titles, has died at the age of 66, the club announced on July 31, 2026. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

Italian football legend Franco Baresi, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game, has died at the age of 66, AC Milan has announced.

Baresi, who captained Milan during one of the club’s most successful eras in the 1980s and 1990s, led the Rossoneri to three European Cup triumphs and six Italian league titles. The club described his death as a profound loss, saying his legacy would remain deeply connected to its identity.

“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,” AC Milan wrote on X.

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The club did not disclose the cause of his death. Baresi had undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule and later revealed that he was working towards regaining his strength.

“It will take me a little time to get all my strength back,” he said after the procedure.

Born in Lombardy in May 1960, Franchino “Franco” Baresi joined AC Milan’s youth academy in 1974 and made his senior debut in 1978, shortly before turning 18. He quickly established himself as a key figure in the team, becoming captain at just 22 years old.

Italian Football Legend Franco Baresi Dies At 66. Getty Images

Known for his exceptional reading of the game, precise tackling, composure and leadership, Baresi transformed the sweeper role and became a model for generations of defenders. His partnership with Paolo Maldini, Mauro Tassotti and Alessandro Costacurta created one of the most respected defensive units in European football.

Baresi spent his entire professional club career with Milan, making 719 appearances between 1978 and 1997, a record only later surpassed by Maldini. His number six shirt was retired by the club in recognition of his contribution.

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At international level, Baresi represented Italy 81 times. He was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup and later played in the 1994 final, where Italy lost to Brazil on penalties.

Despite his success, international glory remained complicated. He missed the 1986 World Cup after a disagreement with national team coach Enzo Bearzot and suffered penalty shootout defeats in the 1990 semi-final and 1994 final.

Baresi’s influence extended beyond trophies, with his leadership and defensive intelligence securing his place among football’s all-time greats.

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