Who is Franco Baresi? Legendary AC Milan and Italy defender dead at 66 - Check cause of death

Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan captain and one of Italy's greatest defenders, has died at the age of 66, the club confirmed on Friday while no cause of death was given. His passing marks the end of an era for one of football's most respected leaders, whose career defined loyalty, excellence and defensive brilliance. Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career with AC Milan, becoming the face of the club during its most successful years. He lifted six Serie A titles and three European Cups while serving as captain for 15 seasons. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Milan permanently retired his iconic No. 6 shirt after his retirement in 1997 - the first player in club history to receive such an honour.

"The entire history of AC 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," the club wrote on X.

Last year, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and later received specialist cancer treatment. Earlier this year, he proudly carried the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Games, making one of his final public appearances.

Baresi's unwavering loyalty to AC Milan became legendary when he chose to remain with the club after its second relegation to Serie B in three seasons in 1982. That same year, he was part of Italy's FIFA World Cup-winning squad, and at just 22 years old, he was entrusted with Milan's captaincy. Over the next two decades, Baresi made more than 700 appearances for the Rossoneri, leading the club through one of the most successful periods in its history. Under his leadership, Milan rose to dominate both Italian and European football during the late 1980s and early 1990s, establishing itself as one of the world's most formidable teams.

On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 appearances for Italy. He was part of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup and later captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final. Remarkably, he completed all 120 minutes of that final against Brazil only 25 days after undergoing knee surgery, although Italy ultimately lost in a penalty shootout.

Alongside defensive greats Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti, Baresi formed one of football's most celebrated backlines. Their disciplined high line and expertly executed offside trap became the hallmark of Fabio Capello's Milan, helping the club achieve an extraordinary 58-match unbeaten Serie A run and earn the nickname 'Gli Invincibili'.