Italy World Cup winner and AC Milan legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66

Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain who was one of Italy’s most acclaimed defenders, has died. He was 66.His death was announced on Friday by Milan, the football club where he spent his entire 20-year playing career. No cause of death was given.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup: All to knowlist 2 of 4What has FIFA charged Argentina with, and what could the punishment be?list 3 of 4Storm apologize after co-owner berates teen girls for support of Cunninghamlist 4 of 4Viral finger-clicker suspended as cricket storm remains in global spotlightend of list“The entire history of AC Milan is in tears,” Milan said.In August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently began a course of immunotherapy.His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February, when, along with former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, he carried the torch into the San Siro — the stadium he formerly played in.“His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is,” Milan added. “The condolences AC Milan e...