Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain and one of Italy's most celebrated defenders, has died at the age of 66. His death was announced on Friday by Milan, the club where he spent his entire 20-year playing career. No cause of death was given.

"The entire history of AC Milan is in tears," Milan said in a statement. 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 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February, where he carried the torch into the San Siro stadium alongside former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi.

"His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is," Milan added. "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."

Baresi was part of Italy's squad that won the 1982 World Cup. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni wrote on X: "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, widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time, was a true one-club player. He progressed through Milan's youth ranks and made his first-team debut at 17 in April 1978. He chose to stay with Milan even after the club was relegated to Serie B in 1982, and was given the captaincy at just 22.

Baresi made over 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 titles, six Serie A titles, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Supercups, and four Italian Supercups.

Milan owner Gerry Cardinale said: "For generations, Franco embodied the values, character and excellence that define this club. Even as he battled his greatest challenge over the last year, he was always there for the club, quietly reminding us all what it means to wear these colours."

After retiring in 1997, Milan retired his No. 6 jersey, a first in Italian football. He was made honorary president of Milan in 2020. Italian football federation president Giovanni Malago called him "an extraordinary champion who wore only two shirts for his entire career: those of Milan and Italy."

Interestingly, Baresi had trials at Inter as a youngster but was rejected, with the club opting to sign his older brother Giuseppe Baresi. Franco then joined the youth team of their fierce city rivals. The two brothers often faced each other in the Milan derby, and their exchange of pennants before kickoff became a symbol of the fixture.

Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon wrote on X: "On November 19, 1995, I made my Serie A debut against Milan. I was 17 years old, and on the other side was the captain of that team: Franco Baresi. For a boy my age, finding myself on the field against champions like him was something incredible."

Baresi also helped Italy finish runners-up at the 1994 World Cup, though he was one of three players to miss a penalty in the shootout defeat to Brazil. He finished runner-up to teammate Marco van Basten in the 1989 Ballon d'Or.

Source: www.aljazeera.com