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AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66
AC Milan and the football world are mourning the loss of legendary defender Franco Baresi, who has passed away at the age of 66.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs in football history, Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career at Milan, making 719 appearances between 1977 and 1997.
During that remarkable spell, he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and a host of domestic honours while captaining the Rossoneri for 15 seasons.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy and was part of the squad that lifted the 1982 World Cup. Twelve years later, he captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final, producing a memorable display against Brazil despite recovering from a serious knee injury. Italy were eventually beaten on penalties in the first World Cup final to be decided by a shootout.
Following his retirement, Baresi remained closely connected to Milan, becoming honorary vice-president in 2020. The club later retired his iconic No. 6 shirt in recognition of his extraordinary contribution.
Baresi underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule in 2025, while his final public appearance came earlier this year at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
His legacy as one of football's all-time great defenders and a symbol of AC Milan will live on for generations.
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