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Franco Baresi Dies Aged 66, AC Milan Confirms

The one‑club captain who led Milan’s golden era and redefined the sweeper role has died, marking a major loss for Italian and world football.

Overview

  • AC Milan confirmed on Friday that Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66 and asked for privacy for his family.
  • The club had issued a denial of false online rumours on July 30 while acknowledging Baresi was facing a difficult health period.
  • Baresi spent his entire 20‑year career at AC Milan, captained the side for about 15 seasons, made roughly 719 appearances and won six Serie A titles and three European Cups.
  • He earned 81 caps for Italy, was part of the 1982 World Cup squad and captained the Azzurri to the 1994 final, and he underwent lung surgery in August 2025 followed by immunotherapy.
  • Clubs, governing bodies and former teammates including Paolo Maldini have issued tributes to Baresi and AC Milan has not announced funeral or memorial arrangements.