Franco Baresi, legendary AC Milan captain, dies at 66

Franco Baresi AC Milan death lung nodule surgery number 6 jersey

Franco Baresi, the iconic defender who spent his entire 20‑year professional career with AC Milan, died on 31 July 2026 at the age of 66. The club confirmed his death on its official X account, describing the loss as a tearful moment for the team and its supporters.

Baresi had undergone minimally‑invasive surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule, followed by immunotherapy. His health deteriorated over the following year, leading to his death at the Humanitas clinic in Rozzano, a suburb of Milan.

During his playing days he captained Milan for 15 seasons, wore the number 6 shirt, and helped the club win six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and numerous other trophies. He was also a member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup‑winning squad and earned 81 caps for the national team. After retiring in 1997, Milan retired his number 6 jersey and later appointed him honorary vice‑president, a role he held until his death.

Earlier in the week false rumours of his death circulated online; Milan had to deny those reports before the official announcement. Baresi’s last public appearance was at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics, where he carried the Olympic torch alongside former Inter captain Beppe Bergomi.

Entities

2022 Winter Olympics Milan‑Cortina opening ceremony · 2025 lung nodule surgery · 2025 lung nodule surgery · AC Milan · August 2025 · Beppe Bergomi · Corriere della Sera · Franco Baresi · Gazzetta dello Sport · Giorgia Meloni · Humanitas Clinic, Rozzano · Humanitas Hospital

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] The lung surgery was performed using a minimally invasive technique and was uncomplicated.
[● 8 SOURCES] AC Milan asked the public to respect Franco Baresi's privacy. www.greenme.it
[● 8 SOURCES] The statement said Franco Baresi is alive and facing a delicate health situation. www.greenme.it
[● 2 SOURCES] Italian politician Matteo Salvini briefly posted condolences for Franco Baresi before deleting the message.
[● 5 SOURCES] After surgery, Franco Baresi was prescribed a consolidation immunotherapy regimen.
[● 8 SOURCES] AC Milan issued an official statement on July 29, 2026 denying the death rumors. www.greenme.it
[● 5 SOURCES] Franco Baresi, aged 66, underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule.
[● 8 SOURCES] Rumors claimed that Franco Baresi had died on July 29, 2026. www.greenme.it
[● 4 SOURCES] Italian politician Matteo Salvini posted a condolence message about Baresi's death and later deleted it.
[● 6 SOURCES] After surgery, Franco Baresi was prescribed a course of immunotherapy consolidation.
[● 6 SOURCES] In August 2025, Franco Baresi underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule.
[● 8 SOURCES] The surgery was performed using a minimally invasive technique and had no complications.