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MILAN: Italian football legend Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game and a member of Italy’s 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 66, his former club AC Milan announced on Friday.
In a statement on social media, AC Milan said: “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will forever be etched into the club’s DNA, just as his iconic No. 6 shirt remains immortal.”
Baresi spent his entire professional career with AC Milan, becoming one of the club’s greatest-ever captains. During the 1980s and 1990s, he helped the Rossoneri win three European Cups (now the UEFA Champions League) and six Serie A titles.
At international level, Baresi was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team and later captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final.
Widely regarded as one of football’s finest defenders, Baresi earned global acclaim for his leadership, tactical intelligence and elegance in defence, leaving a lasting legacy in Italian and world football.