Former AC Milan and Italy defender, Franco Bares, has died at the age of sixty-six (66).
He was widely known as one of Italy’s most successful defenders.
The defender’s passing was announced by AC Milan on Friday 31 July, 2026. Baresi spent his entire playing career which lasted a whopping twenty (20) years at the Serie A Club.
No cause of death was made known by the Rossoneri.
AC Milan posted on X, the “entire history of AC Milan is in tears” following the death of the defender.
Baresi underwent surgery to remove pulmonary nodule, and later commenced a course of immunotherapy.
He was last seen in public at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, along with former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi. Baresi carried the touch into the former Stadium where he played for the Rossoneri, San Siro.
AC Milan announced: “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.
“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.”
He was part of the Italy team that lifted the World Cup in 1982.
In her condolence via X, Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, described Baresi as “one of the greatest champions” in football as she extended her “most sincere” condolences to his family.
PM Meloni wrote: “With the passing of Franco Baresi, Italy loses not only one of the greatest champions in its sports history, but also an example of loyalty, seriousness, and dedication.
“To his family, to the fans, and to all those who loved him, I extend my most sincere condolences.”
