Italy's 1982 World Cup Winner Franco Baresi Dies at 66
The one-club defender won six Serie A titles and three European Cups and was honored with Milan's retired No. 6 shirt.
- Italian football legend Franco Baresi, a cornerstone of AC Milan and Italy's national team, has died at age 66. The club announced his passing on X, stating, "The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi."
- Renowned for his defensive mastery, Baresi spent his entire 20-year career with Milan, winning six Serie A titles and three European trophies. He anchored the legendary "Gli Invincibili" defense alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti.
- Baresi redefined the sweeper role, earning 81 caps for Italy and winning the 1982 World Cup. He famously played the full 120 minutes in the 1994 final just 25 days after undergoing knee surgery.
- Milan retired his iconic number 6 shirt, making him the first player in club history to receive the honor. Later serving as honorary vice president, he recently carried the Olympic flame at the Milano Cortina Winter Games in February.
- His legacy of integrity remains "etched into the Club's DNA," according to the club's statement. Baresi had been under care from a cancer specialist following surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule last year.
239 Articles
239 Articles
The football world pays tribute as AC Milan and Italy great Franco Baresi dies aged 66
Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi has died aged 66. The former Milan captain is widely regarded as one of the best defenders ever and spent his entire career with the club, playing 719 times in 20 seasons as a professional. During that time, Baresi won six Serie A crowns, with his first […]
Barcelona, 31 Jul (EFE).- FC Barcelona joined Friday with condolences for the death, at the age of 66, of the former Italian footballer Franco Baresi, who was captain of the great Milan of the 80s and 90s and with whom he won 3 European Cups and 6 titles of the ‘Scudetto’. Through his social networks, the Catalan club lamented the death of the former defense, whom he defined as “an Italian football legend”. “His leadership, elegance and legacy i…
Who was Franco Baresi? Italy World Cup winner and AC Milan legend passes away at 66
Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders in football history, AC Milan captain, and 1982 FIFA World Cup winner with Italy, passed away on 31 July 2026 at the age of 66. AC Milan announced his death, describing the loss as one felt by every Rossonero.
Franco Baresi, iconic defender and captain of the AC Milan double European champion team, died at the age of 66 on Friday. The honorary vice-president of the Lombard club marked the "calcio" of the 80s and 90s by his technical qualities and leadership, which led him to the "Rossoneri" captainate at only 22 years of age Libero and iconic captain of the great AC Milan of the 1980s and 1990, Franco Baresi, whose death at the age of 66 was announced…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
