Franco Baresi, historic idol of Milan and Italy, dies at 66

Captain of the Italian team for 15 seasons, Baresi played more than 700 matches with the red and black shirt. For the Italian national team, he took to the field 81 times and was part of the 1982 World Cup winning squad. He also led the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final, lost to Brazil on penalties.

In a statement, Milan lamented the death of the former captain and highlighted the strong identification built between the player and the club.

"The entire history of AC Milan mourns the death of Franco Baresi. His example and his integrity will forever remain engraved in the club's DNA, as will the iconic number 6 shirt he wore. In this moment of deep pain, AC Milan offers its most sincere condolences to Franco Baresi's family, a feeling shared by all the Rossoneri, who live this loss as if it were their own," the club stated.

The cause of death has not yet been released. Last year, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a nodule in his lung, identified during routine examinations. After the procedure, he began immunotherapy treatment recommended by doctors.

Baresi in action in one of the 720 games he played for AC Milan. © Getty Images

An entire career dedicated to Milan

Baresi joined Milan's youth teams as a teenager and made his professional debut in the 1977/78 season. He remained at the club until he ended his career in 1997, consolidating a rare trajectory of loyalty to a single team.

More than a physically imposing defender, the Italian stood out for his reading of the game, his ability to anticipate and the quality of his ball delivery. Acting as a libero, he became a reference for generations of defenders and was one of the central pieces of the historic teams led by Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello.

Alongside names like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti, he formed one of the most celebrated defensive lines in European football. Baresi was also part of Milan's 58-game unbeaten run in the Italian Championship between 1991 and 1993.

During two decades at the club, he won six Serie A titles, three editions of the European Champions Cup, currently the Champions League, as well as European Super Cups, Intercontinental Cups and Italian Super Cups.

Baresi's importance was immortalized when Milan retired the number 6 shirt after his departure from the field. After ending his career as a player, he remained linked to the club and held the position of honorary vice-president.

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