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AC Milan Announces Death of Legend Franco Baresi, 66

7/31/2026

Summary

Baresi Dies

AC Milan announced Franco Baresi died at 66 on Friday.
He underwent surgery in August 2025 and carried the torch at San Siro in February 2026.
Baresi played 719 AC Milan games, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups and retiring his number 6 in 1997.
He earned 81 caps, was in Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning squad and captained the 1994 final.
Minister Giorgia Meloni and CONI president Giovanni Malago called Baresi a champion and symbol of loyalty.

Summary

Baresi Honored

Juventus posted a condolence note quoting “There are people who, with their talent, enter history; others who, with their humanity, remain there forever,” while praising Baresi’s humanity and leadership and expressing solidarity with his family and AC Milan.
Multiple Serie A clubs shared tributes on social media, joining Juventus in mourning the former defender.
The league-wide outpouring called him a role model who earned respect off the pitch.

History

Historical Context

When AC Milan icon Giacinto Facchetti died on 4 September 2006, Italy and the football world marked the loss of a defensive pioneer. Facchetti earned 61 caps for Italy, captained Milan to four Serie A titles, and was posthumously inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame in 2007. Baresi’s 2026 passing provoked identical tributes from Juventus, Serie A clubs, Minister Giorgia Meloni and CONI chief Giovanni Malago, echoing the 2006 nationwide mourning. These recurring commemorations reinforce football’s cultural role in Italy, prompting future statutes to protect retired players’ legacies and inspire civic unity.

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Baresi Dies

AC Milan announced Franco Baresi died at 66 on Friday.
He underwent surgery in August 2025 and carried the torch at San Siro in February 2026.
Baresi played 719 AC Milan games, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups and retiring his number 6 in 1997.
He earned 81 caps, was in Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning squad and captained the 1994 final.
Minister Giorgia Meloni and CONI president Giovanni Malago called Baresi a champion and symbol of loyalty.

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