AC Milan and Italian legend, Franco Baresi
Football is in mourning following the death of AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi, who passed away on Friday at the age of 66.
AC Milan confirmed the passing of the legendary defender, with tributes pouring in from across the football world for one of the finest players to ever grace the game.
Baresi spent his entire professional career with AC Milan, making 719 appearances over 20 seasons and captaining the Rossoneri for 15 years.
During his remarkable career, he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and several other domestic and international honours.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the club, AC Milan retired his iconic No. 6 shirt following his retirement in 1997.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy.
He was part of the squad that lifted the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain before captaining the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final in the United States, where he made a courageous return from knee surgery during the tournament.
Last year, Baresi underwent surgery after doctors discovered a pulmonary nodule and later received treatment under a cancer specialist.
However, neither AC Milan nor his family has disclosed the cause of his death.
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, clubs, players and supporters around the world, all remembering a defender whose leadership, loyalty and brilliance helped define an era of Italian football.
Franco Baresi leaves behind a legacy as one of football’s greatest defenders and one of AC Milan’s most celebrated captains.
