The football world is mourning the death of AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi, who has died at the age of 66 after a battle with illness. His passing was announced by AC Milan on Friday, bringing to an end the life of one of the greatest defenders the game has ever known.

In a heartfelt statement, the Rossoneri said: "AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will forever remain, just like his iconic No. 6 shirt, an integral and fundamental part of the club's DNA. AC Milan extends its deepest condolences to Franco Baresi's family."

Baresi had undergone surgery in 2025 to remove a lung nodule and initially appeared to be on the road to recovery. However, his condition deteriorated following a relapse. Earlier this week, the club had been forced to deny false reports of his death, urging respect for his privacy as he battled serious health problems.

His death marks the end of an era for AC Milan. A one-club man throughout his professional career, Baresi made his first-team debut at just 17 years of age in 1978 and went on to become the symbol of the Rossoneri for two decades. He remained loyal to the club through its greatest triumphs as well as its darkest moments, including two relegations to Serie B, before captaining Milan to unprecedented domestic and European success under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello.

Following his retirement in 1997, AC Milan retired his famous No. 6 shirt, ensuring that no player would wear it again in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the club.

Baresi's achievements with Milan remain among the finest in football history. He won six Serie A titles, three European Cups/UEFA Champions League trophies, two Intercontinental Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, four Italian Super Cups, two Serie B championships and the Mitropa Cup.

His influence extended well beyond club football. Although he did not feature during Italy's victorious 1982 World Cup campaign, he later became the cornerstone of the national team, helping the Azzurri finish third at the 1990 World Cup before captaining them to the final of USA '94. Despite suffering a serious knee injury during the tournament, he made a remarkable recovery to play in the final against Brazil, producing a memorable performance before missing a penalty in the decisive shootout.

Baresi remains the only footballer to have finished first, second and third at FIFA World Cups - champion in 1982, third in 1990 and runner-up in 1994.

Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders of all time, Franco Baresi leaves behind a legacy built on elegance, leadership, loyalty and sporting excellence. His name will forever be synonymous with AC Milan and with one of the greatest generations in Italian football history.