AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66
The football world mourns the loss of Franco Baresi, a legendary one-club man who spent 20 glittering years with AC Milan.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66, leaving a legendary legacy in Italian football.
- He spent his entire 20-year career with AC Milan, making 719 appearances and captaining for 15 seasons.
- Won six Serie A titles, three European Cups/Champions Leagues, and the 1982 World Cup with Italy.
- Tributes poured in from Paolo Maldini, Gianluigi Buffon, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The footballing world is in mourning following the death of Franco Baresi, the iconic AC Milan and Italy defender, at the age of 66. Baresi dedicated his entire 20-year professional playing career to the Rossoneri, starting from 1977 until his retirement in 1997, cementing his status as one of the ultimate one-club legends in the history of the sport.
Throughout two decades at San Siro, Baresi made 719 appearances, scored 33 goals, and wore the captain's armband for 15 consecutive seasons. He formed the backbone of one of European football's most impenetrable defences alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti, steering the Milan club to domestic and continental supremacy.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy and lifted the World Cup trophy in 1982. He famously captained the Azzurri in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil, performing a miraculous recovery from knee surgery just three weeks prior to neutralize Brazil's attacking threats before suffering a heartbreaking defeat on penalties.
Franco Baresi's passing marks the end of an era for traditional loyalty in modern football. Having his number six shirt retired by AC Milan in 2024 following his appointment as honorary vice-president in 2020 demonstrates his transcendent impact. Revered even by city rivals Inter Milan, Baresi represents an era where sportsmanship, leadership, and unwavering club devotion defined the beautiful game in Italy.
Tributes quickly flooded in from former teammates and sports figures. Paolo Maldini, who shared his entire career alongside Baresi at Milan, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing his former captain as a protector during childhood, a guide in youth, and an inspiration in adulthood.
"You taught me to fight until my very last breath, and showed me the meaning of devotion to the jersey and the true value of leadership."
Paolo Maldini
Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon recalled facing Baresi as a 17-year-old debutant for Parma in 1995, noting how the encounter taught him the true meaning of class and respect. Meanwhile, Inter Milan honored their fierce historic rival, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Baresi as an unmatched example of loyalty and dedication in sports history.
Source: BBC Sport
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