Top News

Tributes have come in from across the football world, with Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid among those paying homage to legendary Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, who has died at the age of 66.

Clubs, players and supporters have been honouring Franco Baresi, who died last night at 66.

The former Milan and Italy defender had surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and then began a course of immunotherapy.

Milan confirmed the death of their legend in the morning, and the Rossoneri statement was followed by reactions from several Italian and European clubs, as well as football fans.

“Announcing the loss of someone who represented the heart and soul of AC Milan is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the Club and all Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory,” Milan said.

“We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times. We lost Franco only a few months after his last public appearance in a packed San Siro, at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony, an event on the world stage that he helped make unforgettable.

“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he will guide and inspire us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”

Milan’s city rivals Inter also honoured Baresi with a statement. Baresi’s brother Giuseppe, 68, is a former Inter player who spent almost his entire playing career with the Nerazzurri, apart from the final two seasons.

“President Giuseppe Marotta and everyone at FC Internazionale Milano stand alongside the Baresi family and his brother Beppe during this time of grief,” the Nerazzurri wrote.

“Franco Baresi has passed away, taking with him one of the figures who most defined the history of the Milan derby through consistency and excellence. AC Milan captain, team leader and club icon, he built his career on defensive intelligence and leadership that earned admiration even from opponents.

“Born in Travagliato on 8 May 1960, Baresi made 719 appearances and scored 33 goals for the Rossoneri, spending 20 years exclusively with Milan between 1977 and 1997. In the 35 derbies he played against Inter, his name became a byword for composure and reliability in a rivalry always charged with intensity.

“Within that rivalry, the deepest bond was the one with Giuseppe Baresi. Two brothers, two captains, who grew up together and later found themselves wearing rival colours, yet remained united by unquestioned respect. For them, the derby was never just a match: it was a direct challenge, a responsibility, but also a balance to be protected. ‘We tried to leave it outside the door. There was always the worry that neither of us would get injured,’ Franco recalled. And then there was the almost everyday normality before the game: joking together, a way of easing the tension before 90 minutes that meant far more than just a football match for Milan.

“On 2 March 1980, the day San Siro was named after Giuseppe Meazza, that story was captured in one defining image: the Baresi brothers facing each other inside a stadium that was becoming an even stronger symbol of the city and its rivalry. A photograph that tells the story of the derby better than many words. The final image, once again inside San Siro, was the Olympic Torch ceremony, carried together with Beppe Bergomi. An endless derby, a bond with the city that remains unbreakable.

“From Inter and the entire Nerazzurri world, the memory of a great opponent, a protagonist of the battles that helped shape the very meaning of the Milan derby. With respect.”

Nerazzurri vice-president Javier Zanetti also shared a personal message for the Milan great: “Icon, captain, legend, 6 Forever. Rest in peace, Franco.”

Juventus also paid tribute to Baresi, writing: “There are people who, through their talent, make history. And there are others who, through their humanity, remain in it forever. Franco Baresi was both.

“He stood for class, elegance, leadership and respect, on and off the pitch. An inspiration to generations of players and fans alike, he was admired and respected by everyone who loves the game.

“His legacy will live on forever.

“Juventus Football Club extends its deepest condolences to the Baresi family and to Milan during this time of profound sorrow.”

La Liga giants Real Madrid released a statement as well: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Franco Baresi, one of the greatest legends of AC Milan, Italian football and world football.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family and loved ones, his teammates and AC Milan, the club of his life.

“Franco Baresi’s career was defined by his devotion to a single club, AC Milan, as well as the Italian national team. With AC Milan, he played 719 matches and won 3 European Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 6 Italian League titles and 4 Italian Super Cups.

“With the Italian national team, he took part in three World Cups and became world champion at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, during the unforgettable final at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

“Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66. Rest in peace.”

Football fans have also been sharing pictures and videos in honour of one of the greatest players of all time, a serial Serie A and Champions League winner with Milan and a member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning side.

One of the most moving is a video from 1989 after a Serie A match between Milan and Napoli. It shows the legendary Diego Armando Maradona walking towards the dressing room wearing Baresi’s shirt.

“This one is from a big player. I think Franco Baresi is the best defender,” said the Argentine legend.