---
title: "AC Milan Icon and World Cup Victor Franco Baresi Passes Away at 66"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/ac-milan-icon-and-world-cup-victor-franco-baresi-passes-away-at-66-ajjo9
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-07-31T08:47:31.000Z
modified: 2026-07-31T10:01:50.755Z
language: en-IN
---

# AC Milan Icon and World Cup Victor Franco Baresi Passes Away at 66

Football legend Franco Baresi has died following a distinguished career defined by two decades of loyalty to AC Milan. The former Italy captain leaves a legacy of six Serie A titles and three European Cups.

## Key takeaways

- Franco Baresi died on July 31, 2026, at the age of 66 following recent health challenges including pulmonary surgery in 2025.
- Baresi spent his full 20-year career at AC Milan, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups while making over 700 appearances.
- He was a member of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning squad and captained the national team to the 1994 final.
- In a historic move for Italian football, AC Milan retired his number 6 jersey following his 1997 retirement.
- Baresi served as AC Milan's honorary President starting in 2020 after a career that began as a teenager in 1978.

## The Passing of a Rossoneri Legend

AC Milan announced the death of legendary defender Franco Baresi on Friday, July 31, 2026. Baresi, who was 66, was synonymous with the club where he spent his entire 20-year professional career. While Milan did not specify a cause of death, the announcement follows Baresi’s 2025 surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequent immunotherapy treatments.

His final major public moment occurred in February during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Alongside his long-time rival and friend Giuseppe Bergomi, Baresi carried the Olympic torch into the San Siro, the arena where he defined his playing days. Milan described the loss as fundamental, stating that Baresi embodied the "heart and soul" of the organization.

## A Career of Unrivaled Loyalty

Baresi’s career began in April 1978 when he debuted for Milan at age 17. Despite being rejected by Inter Milan as a youth—where his brother Giuseppe was eventually signed—Franco Baresi became the face of the rival side. His commitment was tested in 1982 when he remained with the club following their second relegation to Serie B within three seasons. That same year, he tasted international glory as part of Italy's World Cup-winning squad.

Promoted to captain at just 22, Baresi led the team through its most dominant era. His tenure resulted in more than 700 appearances and a trophy cabinet featuring:
- Three Champions League trophies
- Six Serie A titles
- Two Intercontinental Cups
- Three European Supercups and four Italian Supercups

## Legacy and Recognition

Regarded as a premier defensive strategist, Baresi’s individual accolades were equally impressive. He secured second place in the 1989 Ballon d’Or voting, finishing just behind teammate Marco van Basten. On the international stage, he earned a runners-up medal at the 1994 World Cup, despite a heart-wrenching penalty miss in the final shootout against Brazil.

Upon his retirement in 1997, AC Milan permanently retired his number 6 jersey, marking a historic first for the Italian league. The club later appointed him honorary President in 2020. The organization has called on its supporters to honor his memory by drawing strength from his integrity and standard of excellence, which remains permanently integrated into the club’s identity.

Source: The Hindu — Sport

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/ac-milan-icon-and-world-cup-victor-franco-baresi-passes-away-at-66-ajjo9
Reported from: The Hindu — Sport