AC Milan and Italian football legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, bringing an end to the life of one of the greatest defenders the sport has ever produced.
Baresi spent his entire professional career with AC Milan, making 719 appearances between 1977 and 1997. His loyalty, leadership and outstanding defensive ability made him a symbol of the club’s golden era during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In recognition of his remarkable service, AC Milan permanently retired the iconic No. 6 shirt following his retirement.
Born in Travagliato near Brescia, Baresi overcame personal tragedy after losing both parents during his teenage years. Despite the hardship, he went on to become one of football’s most respected captains.
“What I went through made me become a little withdrawn. When I was on the pitch, I gave everything and perhaps expressed all the things I couldn’t express away from football,” Baresi once said.
While his older brother Giuseppe joined Inter Milan, Franco began his lifelong journey with AC Milan, making his Serie A debut as a teenager under coach Nils Liedholm.
Although not physically imposing, Baresi became renowned for his intelligence, anticipation, composure and leadership, earning Milan’s captaincy at just 22 years old.
He remained loyal to the club even after Milan suffered two relegations to Serie B during the early 1980s, helping guide the Rossoneri back to Italy’s top division on both occasions.
Baresi won the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy, although he did not feature during the tournament in Spain.
His greatest successes came after Silvio Berlusconi purchased AC Milan in 1986, ushering in one of the club’s most successful eras under coaches Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello.
Alongside stars including Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten, Paolo Maldini, Mauro Tassotti and Alessandro Costacurta, Baresi helped build one of football’s most formidable defences.
Van Basten famously described him as “the Johan Cruyff of defenders,” praising his determination, leadership and relentless desire to win.
During his illustrious career, Baresi won three European Cups (1989, 1990 and 1994) and six Serie A titles, while finishing runner-up in the 1989 Ballon d’Or voting.
Internationally, Baresi earned 81 appearances for Italy but endured heartbreak at the FIFA World Cup, suffering penalty shootout defeats in the 1990 semi-finals and the 1994 final against Brazil after making a remarkable recovery from knee surgery.
Following his retirement in 1997, Baresi remained closely involved with AC Milan, serving in various ambassadorial and youth development roles while continuing to represent the club he devoted his life to.
Reflecting on his lifelong connection with Milan during an interview in 2025, Baresi simply said:
“What feeling remains in the end? Immense gratitude.”
Source: AFP
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