Franco Baresi, the AC Milan and Italy legend who won the 1982 World Cup, has died at 66; his death was announced by AC Milan on Friday. No cause was given, though the club revealed he had undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and began a course of immunotherapy.

One-Club Legend and National Icon

Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career at AC Milan, from 1977 until his retirement in 1997, though he made 719 appearances for the club, second only to teammate Paolo Maldini. Baresi served as team captain for 15 of those years and was widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called Baresi “one of the greatest champions in its sports history” and praised his “loyalty, professionalism, and dedication.” AC Milan released a statement saying, “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.”

Last Public Appearance and False Rumors

Baresi’s last public appearance was in February at the opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics; he carried the torch into the San Siro alongside former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi. Earlier in the week, false reports of his death had circulated, with some even reaching Italian VICE-Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who expressed condolences before AC Milan issued a clarification.

AC Milan confirmed Baresi was “in a difficult and delicate phase” but did not elaborate further, and the club also said it was difficult to announce the loss of someone who “embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan.”

Enduring Legacy and Tributes

Baresi’s death was met with widespread mourning in Italy and beyond, and Italian football association president Giovanni Malagò praised Baresi as “an extraordinary player” who “wore only two shirts: AC Milan and the Italian national team.”

Paolo Maldini, Baresi’s teammate and friend, wrote on social media: “You taught me to fight until the last breath, what it means to be loyal to the shirt, and the value of being a true leader. You were the strongest player I’ve ever had the honor of playing with.”

Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport published a tribute stating, “You are forever, even if you are no longer among us. A life of unwavering loyalty, ended by an illness that forced Franco to an unrelenting fight — a battle he faced with his head held high.”

AC Milan concluded their statement by saying: “In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”