Franco Baresi, AC Milan Legend, Dies at 66

Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain and Italy international footballer, died on 31 July 2026 at the age of 66. He played his entire senior club career for AC Milan from 1977 to 1997 and made 719 appearances for the club.

Franco Baresi and AC Milan

Franco Baresi is one of the most decorated defenders in AC Milan history. He won six Serie A titles and three European Cup or UEFA Champions League titles with the club. AC Milan retired his No. 6 shirt after his playing career ended.

International Career with Italy

Baresi was part of Italy’s 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad. He also captained Italy to the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, which Italy lost to Brazil on penalties in the United States.

Health, Final Appearance and Public Life

Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and later received immunotherapy treatment. His final public appearance came in February 2026, when he carried the Olympic torch into San Siro stadium for the Milan Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony with Giuseppe Bergomi.

Important Facts for Exams

• AC Milan is one of the most successful football clubs in Italy and competes in Serie A.
• San Siro is the home stadium of AC Milan and Inter Milan in Milan, Italy.
• The European Cup was renamed the UEFA Champions League in 1992.
• Italy won the FIFA World Cup in 1982 and reached the final again in 1994.