Former AC Milan captain and Italy legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano announced on X on Friday.
Baresi played his entire professional career with AC Milan, appearing in almost 700 games between 1977 and 1997.
During his two decades at the club, he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups, four Italian Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups, cementing his reputation as one of the best defenders in football history.
“Sad news from Italy, as Franco Baresi has passed away this morning at 66 years old.
“An absolute legend of the game with AC Milan and Italy, marking an era for different generations.
“Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends. Rest in peace, Franco,” Romano wrote on X.
Baresi gained 81 caps for Italy and was a member of the 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad. He later guided Italy to the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, when they were defeated on penalties by Brazil.
Tributes have begun to come in from around the football world, with clubs, past colleagues, players, and fans honoring Baresi for both his accomplishments on the field and his humility off it.
He is survived by his family, and the football community mourns the loss of one of the game’s greatest defenders of all time.
