AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi Dies At 66

Former AC Milan captain and Italian football icon Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who announced the news in a post on X on Friday.

Baresi devoted his entire professional career to AC Milan, featuring in more than 700 matches for the club between 1977 and 1997. Over the course of two decades, he became one of the most celebrated defenders in football history and a symbol of the Rossoneri.

His glittering spell with the Italian giants saw him win six Serie A titles, three European Cups, four Italian Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups, cementing his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

“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 81 times and was a member of the squad that lifted the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Twelve years later, he captained the Azzurri to the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up after losing to Brazil in a penalty shootout.

Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from across the football community, with clubs, former teammates, players, and fans paying tribute to his remarkable career, leadership, and character both on and off the pitch.

Baresi is survived by his family, while the football world mourns the passing of a defender whose influence on the game will be remembered for generations.