AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies at 66

JAKARTA - Franco Baresi, a former legendary defender of AC Milan and Italy, has died at the age of 66, Friday, July 31, 2026.

One of the greatest and most iconic centre-backs in football history, Baresi spent his entire career in the red and black jersey - captaining AC Milan for 15 seasons - and was a World Cup winner with Italy.

"The whole history of AC Milan mourns. His example and integrity will forever be embedded in the DNA of the club, as will his iconic number 6."

"The condolences that AC Milan has conveyed to Franco Baresi's family in this difficult time is felt by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as if it were their own loss," Milan said in a statement.

The cause of the legend's death was not mentioned. In August 2025, Baresi was known to undergo surgery to remove lung nodules and then start immunotherapy treatment.

His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026, when along with former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, he carried the torch to San Siro - the stadium where he once played.

Baresi played for Milan for 20 years, winning three Champions Leagues (formerly the European Cup) and six Serie A titles. He made 81 appearances for Italy, winning the 1982 World Cup.

"Everyone at the club and all Milanisti must respect the memories of Franco Baresi. We must be strong and gather every energy, even in these most sad moments," continued the AC Milan statement.

As a player who was truly loyal to one club, Baresi made his career at the Rossoneri and made his debut in the first team at the age of 17, in April 1978.

He chose to stay with AC Milan even after the club was relegated to Serie B - for the second time in three seasons - in 1982, just before he helped Italy win the 1982 World Cup, and was given the captaincy at the age of 22.

Baresi made more than 700 appearances for the Rossoneri, leading the team to global dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In addition to the 1982 World Cup, Baresi also helped Italy become runners-up at the 1994 World Cup - although he was one of three Azzurri players who failed to score from the penalty spot in the penalty shootout defeat against Brazil in the final.

Baresi was runner-up behind teammate Marco van Basten in the 1989 Ballon d'Or award.

When Baresi retired in 1997, AC Milan also retired his number 6 jersey - the first time in Italian football history.

The club also held a tribute match in his honor, featuring many of the stars who had played with and against Baresi.

Baresi was appointed Honorary President of AC Milan in 2020.

"To announce the departure of someone who embodies the heart and soul of AC Milan, is a very difficult thing. However, everyone at the club and all Milanisti must respect the memory of Franco Baresi."

"We lost Franco just months after his last public appearance at a packed San Siro, at the opening ceremony of the Milan Winter Olympics, an event on the world stage that he helped make unforgettable."

"To remember Franco, we are united, knowing that he will guide and encourage us along our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi will always be eternal," wrote AC Milan.