AC Milan legend Franco Baresi dies at 66

Franco Baresi, the legendary defender who spent his entire 20-year career with AC Milan and won the 1982 World Cup with Italy, has died. He was 66. His death was announced by AC Milan on Friday, July 31, 2026. The club did not provide a cause of death.

In a statement, Milan said the entire history of the club was in tears and described Baresi as someone who embodied its heart and soul. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is, the club said. The condolences extended to Baresi's family are shared by every supporter, who feels this loss as their own.

Baresi's passing follows a period of ill health. In August 2025, he underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and began a course of immunotherapy. His last public appearance was in February 2026, when he served as a torchbearer at the opening ceremony for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics at the San Siro stadium. Earlier this week, on July 29, the club was forced to issue a statement denying false online rumors of his death, asking for privacy for Baresi and his family during what it called a difficult and delicate time.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest...