Milan: Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain who was one of Italy's most acclaimed defenders, has died. He was 66. His death was announced on Friday by Milan, the soccer club where he spent his entire 20-year playing career. No cause of death was given.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the entire history of AC Milan is in tears. In August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently began a course of immunotherapy. His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, when along with former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, he carried the torch into the San Siro - the stadium he formerly played in.
Milan expressed that Baresi's example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is. The condolences extended to Franco Baresi's family are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own. Baresi was on Italy's team that won the World Cup in 1982.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni remarked on X that with the passing of Franco Baresi, Italy loses not only one of the greatest champions in its sports history, but also an example of loyalty, professionalism, and dedication.
Baresi was widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time and was a true one-club player. He progressed through the ranks at Milan and made his first team debut at the age of 17, in April 1978. Choosing to stay with Milan even after it was relegated to Serie B in 1982, he helped Italy win the World Cup that summer and was given the captaincy at the age of just 22.
Baresi made more than 700 appearances for the Rossoneri, captaining the team to global dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With Milan, he won three Champions League trophies, six Serie A titles, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Supercups, and four Italian Supercups.
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale stated that for generations, Franco embodied the values, character, and excellence that define the club. Even as he battled his greatest challenge over the last year, he was always there for the club, quietly reminding everyone what it means to wear these colors. Franco's legacy is profound and will endure forever.
In his final interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport last year, Baresi recalled being a 'Milanista' as a little kid. When he arrived at Milanello for the first time as a 14-year-old, it seemed like entering paradise.
Apart from the 1982 World Cup, Baresi also helped Italy finish runners-up in the 1994 competition. He finished runner-up to teammate Marco van Basten in the Ballon d'Or awards in 1989. When Baresi retired in 1997, Milan retired his No. 6 jersey - a first for Italian soccer. The club also held a celebration match in his honor.
Baresi was made honorary president of Milan in 2020. Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malag² noted that Italian soccer had lost one of its legends, labeling Baresi an extraordinary champion who wore only two shirts for his entire career: those of Milan and Italy.
Baresi's career could have been different. He had trials at Inter but was rejected, leading him to join their fierce city rivals. His brother Giuseppe captained Inter, and their encounters became symbolic of the Milan derby.
Former Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon shared his memories of facing Baresi during his Serie A debut at 17, noting that playing against champions like him was incredible and shaped his understanding of class, leadership, and respect in football. Ciao Franco. Rest in peace.