TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Legendary defender Franco Baresi, who captained AC Milan through a golden era and won the World Cup with Italy, has passed away at the age of 66. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the Serie A club announced the news on Friday, paying tribute to a player widely regarded as one of the greatest center backs in football history.
"The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi," the Italian club declared in a statement published on Friday, July 31, 2026. "His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is."
While the club did not release an official cause of death, ESPN noted that Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule in August 2025 and subsequently received immunotherapy. His final public appearance took place earlier this year in February, when he carried the Olympic torch into the San Siro during the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Games alongside former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi.
In a tribute published on its official website, AC Milan described Baresi as the "heart and soul" of the club. "Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan is incredibly difficult," the statement read. "In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he'll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever."
Who Was Franco Baresi?
A true one-club man, Franco Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career in red and black, making his first-team debut in April 1978 at just 17 years old. Over two decades, he made 719 appearances, which was second only to Paolo Maldini in the club’s history, and captained Milan for 15 seasons through an era of global dominance.
Baresi helped lead Milan to six Serie A titles and three European Cups. His loyalty was cemented in 1982 when he chose to remain with the club following its relegation to Serie B. He was named captain that same year at age 22, shortly before helping Italy lift the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy. He famously produced an extraordinary performance in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil, returning to the pitch just 25 days after undergoing knee surgery, though Italy ultimately lost in a penalty shootout.
In 1989, Baresi finished as runner-up for the Ballon d'Or behind his Milan teammate Marco van Basten. Following his retirement in 1997, AC Milan retired his No. 6 jersey—a first in Italian football history—and voted him the club’s Player of the Century in 1999. He was named AC Milan's honorary president in 2020.
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