Franco Baresi has died aged 66, with AC Milan paying tribute to their former captain and saying his character, standards and integrity will remain permanently embedded in the club’s identity.
Baresi devoted his full 20-year senior career to Milan, playing for the club from 1977 until his retirement in 1997. During that time, he helped secure six Serie A crowns and three European Cups or Champions League trophies.
Widely regarded as one of football’s finest defenders, Baresi wore the captain’s armband for Milan for 15 seasons. He made 719 appearances for the club and found the net 33 times.
At international level, Baresi won 81 caps for Italy and belonged to the squad that lifted the 1982 World Cup. He also played in, and captained Italy during, the 1994 final, when Brazil prevailed.
Milan retired the number six shirt after Baresi ended his playing days. In 2020, he was also appointed the club’s honorary president.
Baresi’s trophy-winning years
- During the 1993-94 campaign, Baresi and manager Fabio Capello guided Milan to a third successive Serie A championship.
- That same season brought further success in the Champions League and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Baresi was a key member of one of European football’s most acclaimed defensive units, lining up alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti.
His honours also included four Supercoppa Italiana victories, two European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cup triumphs.
