Milan: Legendary Italian football defender Franco Baresi has died, as announced by AC Milan. "Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is," AC Milan, of which Baresi became honorary vice-president in 2020, wrote on X.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Baresi, a World Cup winner with Italy in 1982 and a finalist at the 1994 World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest sweepers in football history. AC Milan did not specify the cause of Baresi's death. He had undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule, after which he stated, "It will take me a little time to get all my strength back."

Born in Lombardy in May 1960, Franchino "Franco" Baresi joined AC Milan's youth teams in 1974, before advancing to the first team in 1978 ahead of his 18th birthday. He became a starter at 18 and captain at 22, renowned for his technique, anticipation, and tackling skills, as well as his leadership qualities.

Baresi formed a formidable defense with Paolo Maldini, Mauro Tassotti, and Alessandro Costacurta, feared by strikers across Europe. He retired in 1997 after 719 matches with the Rossoneri, a record surpassed only by Maldini. Besides his club achievements, Baresi represented Italy 81 times. Despite a World Cup title from the bench in 1982, he missed the 1986 World Cup due to a disagreement with the national coach, and penalty shootouts ended his hopes of further triumphs in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.