Italy: legend Franco Baresi has passed away

Italian football is in mourning

Europe Today at 02:56

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Italy: legend Franco Baresi has passed away

Bad news this Friday morning from Italy. The legendary Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66.

The announcement was made just a few minutes ago by AC Milan in an official statement. An undisputed Rossoneri legend, Franco Baresi was the iconic captain of the Italian club for two decades.

La Storia del Milan è in lacrime per la scomparsa di Franco Baresi. Il suo esempio e la sua profondità saranno, per sempre come la sua maglia numero 6, parte integrante e fondamentale del DNA e del cammino di tutto il Club. Le condoglianze che AC Milan porge alla famiglia tutta… pic.twitter.com/a8wNOCUc2o
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 31, 2026

A former central defender, Franco Baresi leaves behind an immense legacy after playing 719 matches in Milan colors and winning six Scudetti as well as three European Cups. A product of the AC Milan academy, Baresi wore only one shirt throughout his professional career between 1977 and 1997.

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 the friends.

Rest in peace, Franco. ❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/50UdFEV6II
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2026

World champion with Italy in 1982 and a finalist at the 1994 World Cup, he is regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the history of world and Italian football. In their tribute, AC Milan hailed him as "an example and an integrity that will remain forever engraved in Milan's DNA", while his legendary number 6 shirt, retired since his retirement, remains one of the strongest symbols in the history of the Rossoneri.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.