France Baresi, Italy's FIFA World Cup-winning centre-back and AC Milan legend, has passed away at the age of 66.
The defender was just 22 when he helped the Azzurri to football's biggest prize at Spain 1982. He then played every minute as Italy finished third on home soil eight years later, before captaining the nation – after a remarkable recovery from injury – in their final defeat to Brazil at USA 1994.
Baresi leaves behind a significant legacy that extends beyond his technical prowess: as a Milan captain and legend, he was a model of style and elegance, beloved and respected by football fans, team-mates, opponents, and industry professionals alike. Many messages of condolence have poured in to honour the great figure who left such a mark on the sport at a global level.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "A timeless captain, a timeless story. Franco Baresi was, is, and will be infinite."
AC Milan, the club he spent his entire 20-year career at, announced his death in a statement: "Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the Club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi's memory.
"We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times. In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he'll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever."
Giovanni Malago, the President of the Italian Football Federation, also expressed his condolences via the FIGC website: “Italian football has lost one of its legends, an extraordinary champion who wore only two jerseys throughout his career: Milan’s and the Azzurri’s. It was a romantic choice that rightfully earned him a place in the hearts of fans and millions of Italians.
“We will honour his memory as he deserves during the national team’s upcoming matches – that national team to which he always showed exceptional devotion, becoming one of its most glorious icons.”
Another Milan captain and legend, Paolo Maldini – who inherited the armband from Franco Baresi himself – shared a moving message following the former player’s passing: “Today, I feel the same way I did whenever, for whatever reason, you couldn’t take the field alongside us: how will we manage without our Captain? You taught me to fight until the very last breath, and what it means to be truly devoted to the jersey and to be a real leader. You did so through your example, every single day: few words, but so much action.
"You protected me when I was a child, you guided me as a boy and you inspired me as a man. You were the strongest footballer I ever had the honour of playing with. We will miss you, Captain. But the light of your star will continue to accompany us forever."
Baresi was the flag of Milan and a beacon of loyalty, inspiring the likes of Maldini, Francesco Totti, Alexandra Del Piero and Javier Zanetti. The former Internazionale captain commented: "Flag, Captain, Legend. 6 forever! A legend for generations. Safe travels, Franco"
AC Milan's cross-city rivals also shared their condolences: "Farewell to Franco Baresi, protagonist of the great clashes in the Milan Derby and one of the figures who most defined the history of the rivalry. Captain, team man, and flag bearer of AC Milan, he lived every matchup with Inter between competition and respect, within a challenge that wrote unforgettable pages of Italian soccer. President Giuseppe Marotta and all of FC Internazionale Milano stand in solidarity with the Baresi family, brother Beppe, and AC Milan in this moment of grief."
Juventus, the team Baresi played against an unmatched 40 times throughout his career, added: "There are people who, with their talent, enter history. And others who, with their humanity, remain there forever. Franco Baresi was both. Class, style, leadership, and respect on and off the field. An example for generations of players and fans, loved and admired by all football enthusiasts. His memory will live on forever. Juventus Football Club stands in solidarity with the Baresi family and AC Milan in this moment of profound sorrow."
Sources: FIFA Official
