Franco Baresi, Milan and Italian football icon, dies at 66
The former AC Milan captain died on July 31, 2026 at 66; the news was announced by Fabrizio Romano.
Franco Baresi, one of the defining defenders of his generation and a symbol of AC Milan, has died. He passed away on July 31, 2026, at the age of 66; the news was announced by sports journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Baresi spent his entire professional career with Milan, becoming the club's long-serving captain and the face of a side that dominated both in Italy and Europe. His leadership at the back helped mark what many describe as a golden era for Italian football, and his style and commitment set a benchmark for defenders worldwide.
Medical episode and return to public life
In August 2025 Baresi underwent surgery after doctors found a nodule on his lungs; it was removed using a minimally invasive technique. The operation was reported as successful, and in December 2025 he returned to San Siro to watch a Milan match, where the crowd greeted him with sustained applause.
His final public appearance came at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics Milan–Cortina, where he served as a torchbearer alongside his friend Giuseppe Bergomi. That moment underlined his lasting connection to both sport and the Italian public.
Clubs, former teammates and fans around the world are expected to mark his passing in the coming days. Baresi leaves behind a legacy as a one-club man and one of the sport's most respected defenders.
The football community will remember him not only for trophies and caps but for the leadership and example he offered to generations that followed.
Photo: press material from the event
