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AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66

Published 09:20 31 Jul 2026 BST

Updated 10:03 31 Jul 2026 BST

Harry Warner
AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66

Homesport

One of the greatest to ever do it

AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has died aged 66, it has been confirmed.

Widely considered as one of the greatest to ever grace the game, Baresi enjoyed a storied career in the beautiful game.

The Italian defender's death was announced by his former club AC Milan in a statement.

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Franco Baresi playing for AC Milan. Image: Getty.

It read: "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."

Baresi was a one club man, playing 717 games for AC Milan across a 20-year period.

He played 81 times for his country.

He won one World Cup, three European Cups (one as the UCL) and six Scudettos (Italian championships)

His contributions to Milan saw the club retire the number six shirt.

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