AC Milan and Italy Legend Franco Baresi Dies Aged 66

AC Milan and Italy football great Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, the Italian club confirmed on Friday. Milan said the former defender’s legacy, integrity and iconic number 6 shirt would remain permanently woven into the club’s identity. The announcement came two days after the club dismissed earlier social-media rumours of his death, while confirming that he was facing a delicate health situation. Baresi underwent surgery for a pulmonary nodule in August 2025 and was expected to begin immunotherapy. Widely regarded as one of football’s finest defenders, he spent his entire senior club career at AC Milan, who retired his number 6 shirt after his retirement in 1997. He won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and captained the national team to the 1994 World Cup final. He was also named Milan’s Player of the Century and inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.

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