Franco Baresi, legendary AC Milan and Italy defender, dies aged 66

Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan defender and Italy World Cup winner, has died at 66. Milan announced his death on Friday morning, saying no cause was provided. The club noted Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and had been receiving treatment. His most recent public appearance came in February at San Siro, when he carried the torch for the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career at AC Milan, winning three Champions League titles and six Serie A crowns. He also won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and retired in 1997, when Milan retired his No. 6 shirt.