The world of football is in mourning. On Friday (31), at the age of 66, former defender Franco Baresi, a historic idol of Milan and the Italy national team, passed away. The club officially announced his death on its social media and official channels. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Baresi had been facing health problems since August 2025, when he underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule, followed by immunotherapy treatment.

In recent months, the former captain had made a public appearance that lifted fans’ spirits: he carried the Olympic torch at the San Siro during the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

Tribute from Milan and Emotion in Italy

In a note of condolence, Milan paid an emotional tribute to the former captain, who dedicated his entire professional career to the San Siro team.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and FIFA also issued public statements. FIGC president Giovanni Malagò described Baresi as an extraordinary champion who wore only two shirts during his career, that of Milan and that of the Italian national team, and stated that such loyalty earned him a place in the hearts of fans and millions of Italians.

A One-Club Man: Rossonero Blood

Born in Travagliato on May 8, 1960, Franco Baresi joined Milan’s youth academy in 1974, at the age of 14. He made his first-team debut in 1978 and, at only 22 years old, took the captain’s armband—which he wore until his retirement in 1997.

Over two decades on the professional team, Baresi played 719 matches in Milan’s shirt. He was the backbone of one of European football’s most successful eras, led by Arrigo Sacchi and later by Fabio Capello.

With the Milan club, the defender achieved:

· 3 European Cup / UEFA Champions League titles (1988/89, 1989/90 and 1993/94)
· 6 Serie A titles (1978/79, 1987/88, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94 and 1995/96)
· 2 Intercontinental Cups (1989 and 1990)
· 3 UEFA Super Cups (1989, 1990 and 1994)
· 4 Italian Super Cups (1988, 1992, 1993 and 1994)

In recognition of his historic contribution, Milan retired the number 6 shirt immediately after his farewell to the pitch in 1997.

Azzurri Career and the 1994 Clash with Brazil

With the Italian national team, Baresi played 81 matches over thirteen years in blue. The defender took part in the 1982 World Cup-winning squad in Spain. But, as he was still young, he remained on the bench throughout the tournament.

In 1990, playing at home, he was a starter in the backline for five consecutive matches without conceding a goal, until being eliminated by Argentina in the semi-finals and finishing in third place.

At the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Baresi lived through one of the most memorable moments of his career. After suffering a meniscus injury in the first stage and undergoing emergency knee surgery, the captain made a record-breaking recovery in just 25 days to play the full 120 minutes of the final against the Brazilian national team.

However, in the penalty shootout, he missed his spot kick, and Brazil became four-time world champions.

Thiago Silva Pays Tribute

Renowned for his elegance, vision, positioning sense, and leadership on the field, Baresi redefined the libero role in modern football. After retiring as a player, he remained tied to the sport and had been serving as Milan’s honorary vice-president.

Official details about the wake and burial of the former player in the Milan region have not yet been released.

On social media, clubs, players, and football fans mourned Baresi’s death. Brazilian Thiago Silva, who was even seen as one of the Italian defender’s disciples when he played at Milan in 2008, paid his tribute.