AC Milan legend Franco Baresi passes away at 66
AC Milan confirmed the death of former captain and iconic defender Franco Baresi, aged 66, without revealing a cause.
Former AC Milan captain Franco Baresi died at 66, the club said on Friday, noting his lasting influence on the team's identity. Born in Lombardy in May 1960, Baresi entered Milan's youth system in 1974 and debuted for the senior side just before his 18th birthday, becoming a starter that season and captain at 22. He helped the club secure three European Cups and six Italian league championships, forming a feared defensive unit with Paolo Maldini, Mauro Tassotti and Alessandro Costacurta.
Internationally, Baresi won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and earned 81 caps, though he missed the 1986 tournament after a dispute with the national coach. After retiring in 1997, he served as honorary vice-president from 2020. The club mentioned his recent lung-nodule operation but gave no further details on the cause of death.
Why it matters
Baresi was a pivotal figure in football history, shaping Milan's legacy and inspiring future generations of defenders.
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