Franco Baresi dies at 66: Football world pays tribute to AC Milan legend

Franco Baresi, former AC Milan and Italy defender, took his last breath on Friday at the age of 66, as announced by his former club.

"The entire history ‌of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is," the club wrote on X.

Baresi passed away following a battle with a serious illness. He had previously undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and received subsequent treatment for an oncological lung condition, from which his health deteriorated after a relapse.

Being one of the most recognisable players of the golden era of Italian football in the 1980s and 1990s, the football world paid heartfelt tributes to the legend and mourned the death of him.

Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career with AC Milan, serving as a captain for 15 seasons. He stayed with the club through two relegations to Serie B in the early 1980s, successfully guiding them back to the top flight on both occasions.

The Italian football icon won six Serie A titles and three European trophies. AC Milan retired his number six shirt, making him the first player in club history to receive this honor. He later served as the club's honorary vice president.

On Wednesday evening, Milan dismissed false rumours circulating on social media that Baresi had already died following a period of ill health, saying he was “going through a difficult and delicate time”.