Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Franco Baresi, AC Milan Legend, Dies at 66
Franco Baresi was a famous football player who spent his whole career with AC Milan and helped Italy win the World Cup in 1982.
He was 66 years old when he passed away.
AC Milan and their rivals Inter Milan said they were very sad and remembered how good he was.
He had surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule and was still getting better.
Many people, including Italy’s prime minister, said he was a great example of loyalty and hard work.
Franco Baresi, 66, former AC Milan captain and 1982 World Cup winner, has died.
AC Milan and Inter Milan released tributes, noting his integrity and role in the club’s DNA.
Baresi had undergone lung surgery in August 2025 and was recovering from a pulmonary nodule.
He spent his entire 20‑year career at AC Milan, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups, and captaining Italy to the 1994 World Cup final.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other football figures, including Paolo Maldini and Real Madrid, praised his loyalty and legacy.
- Who
- Franco Baresi, former AC Milan captain and Italy defender
- What
- He died at the age of 66
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Italy
- Why
- Cause not disclosed; he had been recovering from lung surgery
- Name
- Franco Baresi
- Age
- 66
- Date of death
- Friday
- Club
- AC Milan
- National team
- Italy
- Major titles
- 6 Serie A, 3 European Cups, 1982 World Cup
- Cause of death
- Not disclosed
Sources
World Cup winner and AC Milan legend Franco Baresi dies at 66
Franco Baresi dies at 66; AC Milan captain won three European Cups and World Cup
Franco Baresi dies at 66 after illness, AC Milan confirms
