AC Milan legend Franco Baresi dies at 66
Franco Baresi, the iconic defender and long‑time captain of AC Milan, died on 31 July 2026 at the age of 66. The club confirmed his death and announced that his passing follows a prolonged illness; he had undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule. Baresi spent his entire professional career with Milan, debuting in the senior team in 1977‑78 and retiring in 1997 after 20 seasons and more than 719 official matches. During that time he captained the side, helped the club win six Serie A championships and three European Champions League titles, and the club retired his number 6 jersey in his honour. Internationally, Baresi was a member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup‑winning squad and earned over 80 caps for the Azzurri. His death has prompted tributes from former teammates, rivals and football personalities worldwide, and a public funeral is scheduled in Milan.
Entities: AC Milan · Carlo Ancelotti · Franco Baresi · Gianluigi Buffon · Giuseppe Bergomi · Italian Football Federation · Italy national football team · Jersey number 6 · Massimo Ambrosini · Milan · Number 6 jersey · Paolo Maldini
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Franco Baresi has died. (new)
- [● 10 SOURCES] Milan retired Baresi’s number 6 jersey. (multiple)
- [● 14 SOURCES] He spent his entire professional career at AC Milan. (All belongs‑true articles describing his career)
- [● 20 SOURCES] He was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup‑winning squad. (multiple articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Former teammates Massimo Ambrosini and Giuseppe Bergomi publicly paid tribute to Baresi. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Baresi captained AC Milan and the Italy national team. (new)
- [● 20 SOURCES] He won six Serie A titles, three European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups with Milan. (All belongs‑true articles)
- [● 20 SOURCES] He captained Italy at the 1994 World Cup final. (All belongs‑true articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] He received immunotherapy after the surgery. (medical reports cited in articles)
- [● 23 SOURCES] Franco Baresi died at the age of 66. (All articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] He spent his entire professional career at AC Milan, debuting in 1977 and retiring in 1997. (Club history and player records.)
- [● 20 SOURCES] AC Milan retired his number 6 jersey in his honour. (multiple articles)