Legendary AC Milan defender Franco Baresi has died, aged 66.
The Rossoneri confirmed the tragic news on Friday morning, one day after clarifying premature reports surrounding Baresi’s death.
Baresi is widely considered one of the greatest players in history after a 20-year career in which he played only for Milan and Italy.
Across the 70s, 80s and 90s, the 5ft 9ins centre-back redefined the art of defending with his outstanding reading of the game and footballing intelligence.
His iconic No.6 shirt remains retired at the San Siro after he captained one of the great Italian football sides to three European Cups and six Serie A titles.
“The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi,” the club wrote on social media.
“His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.
“The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.”
In a separate post on their website, Milan added: “Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult.
“But everyone at the Club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory. We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times.
“We lost Franco only a few months after his last public appearance in a packed San Siro, at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony, an event on the world stage he helped make unforgettable.
“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”
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Baresi worked as an honorary vice-president at Milan following his retirement in 1997, although he suffered health problems in recent years.
He underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and had been undergoing immunotherapy treatment.
Tributes
The late Diego Maradona once described Baresi as his toughest opponent.
Meanwhile, our very own Ray Wilkins, who passed away in 2018, said the Italy icon was his greatest ever teammate.
Inter Milan have led the tributes on Friday, showing their respect for a legendary rival.
The club wrote: “Farewell to Franco Baresi, protagonist of the great clashes in the Milan Derby and one of the figures who most defined the history of the rivalry.
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“Captain, team man, and flag bearer of AC Milan, he lived every matchup with Inter between competition and respect, within a challenge that wrote unforgettable pages of Italian soccer.
“President Giuseppe Marotta and all of FC Internazionale Milano stand in solidarity with the Baresi family, brother Beppe, and AC Milan in this moment of grief.”
Fellow Serie A giants Juventus paid their own classy tribute.
Juve wrote: “There are people who, with their talent, enter history.
“And others who, with their humanity, remain there forever. Franco Baresi was both. Class, style, leadership, and respect on and off the field.
“An example for generations of players and fans, loved and admired by all football enthusiasts. His memory will live on forever.
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“Juventus Football Club stands in solidarity with the Baresi family and AC Milan in this moment of profound sorrow.”
Reacting to the news on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show, presenter Andy Goldstein reflected on a sad loss for the game.
“My goodness, what a player,” Goldstein said.
“He was absolutely fantastic. Such a loss, not just to football, but the Italian footballing world.
“He was a genius of a player.”