How did Franco Baresi die? Milan legend passes away at 66
The Milan and Italy legend dies at 66. He won the 1982 World Cup and three Champions Leagues with the Rossoneri.
After several days marked by fear and uncertainty, the terrible news has arrived: Franco Baresi has died. Born on May 8, 1960, in Travagliato, the legendary defender had been in serious condition for several days as his health steadily deteriorated. Milan had even issued an official statement denying reports of his death while confirming the delicacy of the captain’s condition.
Baresi died at the age of 66 at the Humanitas di Rozzano clinic on the outskirts of Milan, following an illness that lasted roughly a year. It began with the removal of a lung nodule and progressively forced him away from public life.
His final public appearance came in February, when he and Beppe Bergomi carried the Olympic torch into San Siro ahead of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. After that, Milan’s honorary vice-president was no longer able to be with the team as often as he would have wished.
La Storia del Milan è in lacrime per la scomparsa di Franco Baresi. Il suo esempio e la sua profondità saranno, per sempre come la sua maglia numero 6, parte integrante e fondamentale del DNA e del cammino di tutto il Club. Le condoglianze che AC Milan porge alla famiglia tutta… pic.twitter.com/a8wNOCUc2o
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 31, 2026
The loss of Franco Baresi is being mourned across the football world. He was one of the game’s most iconic defenders and captains, both for AC Milan and the Italy national football team. When he retired in 1997, Milan retired the number 6 shirt in his honour, recognising a career that brought three European Cups (1989, 1990 and 1994) and two Intercontinental Cups.
With Italy, Baresi won the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. He also remains the only footballer in history to have finished first, second and third at the World Cup: champion in 1982, third place in 1990 FIFA World Cup and runner-up in the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Baresi spent his entire career at Milan, wearing the Rossoneri colours for twenty years, from 1977 to 1997, and making the number 6 unmistakably his own. Few players have ever worn a shirt with such elegance. He was indispensable in Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan and remained a cornerstone under Fabio Capello.
Rest in peace, Franco Baresi.
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