Franco Baresi, the legendary defender who spent his entire career at AC Milan and played for the Italian national team, has died at the age of 66. The news was confirmed by the club, which described the entire history of AC Milan as being in tears. Baresi, who was also a World Cup winner with Italy, is remembered as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
Baresi played 719 games for AC Milan, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups. His career at the club spanned two decades, during which he became a symbol of discipline and class. He also captained the Italian national team, leading them to victory in the 1982 World Cup. His passing was announced on Friday by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X.
In August 2025, Baresi had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and began immunotherapy. His death marks the end of an era for Italian football. Tributes have been pouring in from across the football world, with many calling him an all-time great and a defining figure of the game.
