Franco Baresi has died. © ANSA / ARCHIVIO ANSA / ARC

The football world bows down to Franco Baresi

Franco Baresi was many things in his life: Italy's answer to Emperor Franz, World Champion, European Cup winner, Milanista of the century. Now the Italian defensive icon has died at the age of 66. The football world mourns.

July 31, 2026

From: dpa/dl

"It is incredibly difficult to announce the loss of a man who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan," the storied club stated. Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malagò called the ever-present Milan defender Baresi "an exceptional player." He explained that Baresi "only wore two jerseys in his entire career: Milan's and the blue of the Italian national team. A romantic choice that rightfully won him the hearts of fans and millions of Italians."

The tribute was particularly emotional. Journal of Sport Baresi. “You are forever, even though you are no longer with us,” read one obituary. “A life of unwavering loyalty, ended by an illness that forced Franco to fight tirelessly in recent years – a fight he waged with his head held high.”

Franco Baresi always remained loyal to Milan. © ANSA / FERRARO / INTERNO

Baresi died on Friday night, as reported by the Italian news agency Ansa. His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in early February at the San Siro in Milan.

"You are forever, even when you are no longer with us." Journal of Sport

False reports of his death had already circulated on Wednesday. Even Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini fell for the false reports and offered his condolences on X. AC Milan immediately denied the rumors but wrote that Baresi was going through "a difficult and delicate phase." According to the newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport," citing sources close to him, Baresi underwent surgery for a lung nodule last year.

Comparisons with Beckenbauer

Born in Travagliato in northern Italy, Baresi was an icon in the black and red jersey of the proud Milan club for around 20 years. From 1978 to 1997, he played for the club – he never played for any other team in his entire career. He won the European Cup/Champions League three times and the league title six times. He made 719 competitive appearances for Milan, second only to Paolo Maldini. His number 6 jersey was retired after his career ended, and in a poll, he was voted Milan's Player of the Century. Baresi is considered one of the greatest liberos in football history.

Franco Baresi is an icon of Italian football. © ANSA / ARCHIVIO ANSA / PIS

The Italian national team won the World Cup title in 1982, even though he didn't play. After finishing third at the home World Cup in 1990, he reached the World Cup final with Italy again in 1994 against Brazil. He was the first penalty taker in the shootout, but his shot went over the bar. In the end, Brazil celebrated, and Baresi wept bitterly.
Because of his technical finesse and game intelligence, Baresi was often compared to Franz Beckenbauer – his great idol. He therefore earned the resounding nickname "Kaiser Franz" (Emperor Franz). Baresi's greatest period was in the late 80s, when he formed a legendary defensive line with Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti, and dominated European football under coach Arrigo Sacchi.

Even city rivals Inter pay tribute to Baresi

He almost ended up at city rivals Inter Milan. He and his older brother Giuseppe had applied to the Nerazzurri. Giuseppe got a contract and played for Inter for around 15 years. Franco, however, was considered too slight, so he tried his luck at Milan. Inter honored Baresi at X as "a protagonist of the great Milan derbies and one of the personalities who most shaped the history of this rivalry."

After his active professional career, Baresi remained loyal to Milan, initially as a youth coach and subsequently holding other positions within the club. Until recently, he was vice president of the traditional club.