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Italy and AC Milan legend, Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66.
Milan confirmed the news on social media, saying, “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”.
Born on May 8, 1960 in Travagliato, Northern Italy, Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career at Milan from 1977 to 1997.
He made 532 league appearances and captained the Rossoneri for 15 seasons.
During that time he won six Serie A titles and three European Cups, and led a celebrated backline alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti that helped Milan to a 58-match unbeaten run in Serie A.
At the end of his career, Milan retired his No.6 shirt — the first time in the club’s history that honour was given.
Internationally, Baresi won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and captained the Azzurri to the 1994 final, where they lost to Brazil on penalties. He earned 81 caps between 1982 and 1994.
After retiring, Baresi remained at Milan as an honorary vice-president.
He underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and had been receiving follow-up treatment.
His last public appearance came in February as a torchbearer at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
