Franco Baresi, a former AC Milan legend who helped define Italian soccer in the 1980s and ’90s, has died at the age of 66.
No cause of death has been revealed.
Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and begin a course of immunotherapy.
The defender’s last public appearance was at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, where he carried the torch into the San Siro – the stadium he used to play in.
“The entire history of AC Milan is in tears,” Milan said in a statement Friday.
“His example and integrity will remain forever embedded in the club’s DNA, just like his iconic number 6 shirt. The condolences that AC Milan extend to the family of Franco Baresi in this difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.”
Becoming one of soccer’s most iconic centre backs, Baresi played for Milan for 20 years, winning three European Cups and six Serie A titles.
After making his debut in 1978 at just 17, Baresi even chose to remain with Milan after it was relegated to Serie B for the second time in three seasons.
Overall, he made over 700 appearances for AC Milan, propelling it to global dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He also won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and helped the country to a second-place finish in 1994.
AC Milan retired Baresi’s No. 6 jersey and held a celebration match to honor him, featuring several stars he played with and against.
“Everyone at the club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory,” AC Milan added. “We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times.”
