Baku, July 31, AZERTAC
Franco Baresi, the legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender, has died at the age of 66, according to ESPN.
One of football's greatest and most iconic centre-backs, Baresi played his whole career in red and black -- captaining Milan for 15 seasons -- and was a World Cup winner with his country.
"The entire history of AC Milan is in tears," Milan said in a statement on Friday.
"His example and integrity will remain forever embedded in the club's DNA, just like his iconic number 6 shirt. The condolences that AC Milan extend to the family of Franco Baresi in this difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own."
No cause of death was given. In August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently began a course of immunotherapy.
His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, when along with former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, he carried the torch into the San Siro -- the stadium he formerly played in.
Baresi played for Milan for 20 years, winning three European Cups and six Serie A titles. He earned 81 caps for Italy, winning the 1982 World Cup.