By Ghazali Ibrahim
Franco Baresi, the iconic AC Milan captain and one of football’s greatest defenders, has died at the age of 66, bringing an end to the life of a player whose name became synonymous with excellence, loyalty and leadership. His death was confirmed by AC Milan on Friday.
Baresi devoted his entire professional career to AC Milan, making more than 700 appearances between 1977 and 1997.
He captained the club for 15 years and led the Rossoneri through one of the most successful periods in their history, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Milan retired his famous No. 6 shirt after his retirement.
On the international stage, Baresi helped Italy win the 1982 FIFA World Cup and later captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final.
One of the defining moments of his career came in that tournament when he returned from knee surgery to marshal Italy’s defence against Brazil in the final, producing a memorable performance despite the team’s defeat on penalties.
AC Milan described Baresi as a figure whose integrity, leadership and example would remain part of the club’s identity forever.
Tributes quickly flooded in from across the football world, with former teammates, opponents and supporters celebrating a career built on unwavering commitment and sporting excellence.
Baresi had undergone surgery in 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and had since been receiving treatment while remaining active in his role as AC Milan’s honorary vice-president.
He made one of his last public appearances earlier this year as an Olympic torchbearer during the Milano-Cortina Winter Games.
Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders the game has ever produced, Baresi leaves behind a legacy that transcends trophies.
His reading of the game, composure under pressure and lifelong loyalty to a single club made him an enduring symbol of Italian football and an inspiration to generations of defenders.
