“Baresi is forever”: AC Milan pays heartfelt tribute as legendary captain Franco Baresi passes at 66

AC Milan have announced the passing of club great Franco Baresi at the age of 66.

Regarded as one of the greatest defenders to have graced the game, Baresi spent his entire career with Milan to etch his name into club folklore.

He won sixSerie A titles and three European Cups during a golden era for the Rossoneri, with his 719 appearances second only to Paolo Maldini.

Baresi was runner-up for the Ballon d’Or in 1989 after Milan’s success in Europe, and won 81 caps for the Italian national team.

His performance in a losing effort during the 1994 World Cup final remains vivid in the tournament’s history, having returned from a knee operation after only 25 days to feature.

In 1999, he was voted Milan’s Player of the Century, with the club retiring his number six shirt upon his retirement.

“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,” Milan wrote onX.

“The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.”

“Announcing the loss… is incredibly difficult” – AC Milan mourns icon Franco Baresi after passing

The club tribute continued viaacmilan.com, where the Italian side said Baresi embodied the heart and soul of the club.

“Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the Club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory. We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times. We lost Franco only a few months after his last public appearance in a packed San Siro, at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony, an event on the world stage he helped make unforgettable.

“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”