Former AC Milan icon and Italian football legend, Franco Baresi, has died at the age of 66, according to a post shared on X by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday.
Baresi dedicated his entire professional career to AC Milan, featuring in more than 700 matches for the club between 1977 and 1997.
Over his remarkable 20-year spell with the Rossoneri, he lifted six Serie A titles, three European Cups, four Italian Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups, cementing his status as one of football’s greatest-ever defenders.
“Sad news from Italy as Franco Baresi has passed away this morning at 66 years old.
“An absolute legend of the game with AC Milan and Italy, marking an era for different generations.
“Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends.
“Rest in peace, Franco,” Romano wrote on X.
At international level, Baresi represented Italy national football team 81 times and was a member of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
He later captained the Azzurri to the final of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where they were beaten by Brazil in a penalty shootout.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the football community, with clubs, former teammates, players and supporters celebrating Baresi’s extraordinary legacy on the field and his humility away from the game.
He is survived by his family as the football world mourns the passing of a player widely recognised as one of the finest defenders in the sport’s history.
