AC Milan Denies False Death Rumors of Legend Franco Baresi
On July 29-30, 2026, false rumors spread on Italian social media claiming AC Milan legend Franco Baresi, 66, had died. The club issued an official denial, stating Baresi is alive but in a difficult health period, reportedly undergoing treatment after lung nodule surgery. Italy’s Deputy PM Matteo Salvini mistakenly posted a tribute before deleting it. AC Milan urged privacy and condemned misinformation.
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AC Milan Announces Franco Baresi's Funeral on August 4th
AC Milan has released an official statement announcing that the funeral of their beloved former captain, Franco Baresi, will be held on Tuesday, August 4th at 11:00 AM Central European Summer Time. The ceremony will take place at the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan and will be open to the public, subject to the church's capacity. The announcement was made via the club's official channels and reported by Hupu Soccer on August 1st. Baresi, a legendary figure in AC Milan's history, is being honored with a public funeral service.
Ancelotti Mourns AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi: 'You Will Always Be My Captain'
Following the passing of AC Milan legendary captain Franco Baresi, current Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti paid tribute on social media, posting a vintage photo of the two together and writing, 'You will always be my captain. Rest in peace.' Ancelotti played alongside Baresi at AC Milan from 1987 to 1992, a five-season partnership that formed the backbone of the club's golden era under coach Arrigo Sacchi. Together, they won two Serie A titles and back-to-back European Cups in 1989 and 1990. Baresi, who spent his entire career at Milan, made 719 appearances, led the team to six Serie A titles and three European Cups, and had his number 6 jersey permanently retired by the club. The news was reported by Hupu Soccer on August 1st.
Kaka Mourns AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi: 'Eternal Number 6 Captain'
Former AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka expressed heartfelt condolences on social media following the death of AC Milan legendary captain Franco Baresi at age 66. In his tribute, Kaka called Baresi a 'great captain' who taught generations the meaning of wearing the Rossoneri jersey and became an eternal symbol of the club. Baresi spent his entire playing career at AC Milan, serving as captain for 15 seasons, winning 6 Serie A titles and 3 European Cups. After his retirement, Milan permanently retired his number 6 jersey. The football world, Kaka wrote, has lost a model of loyalty, elegance, and leadership.
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Minute of Silence to Be Held Before Friendly Matches in Italy to Mourn Franco Baresi
The Italian Football Federation has announced that a minute of silence will be observed before all friendly matches scheduled in Italy today and this weekend, in memory of legendary Italian footballer Franco Baresi. The decision was made by Federation President Malagò. Baresi, a former captain of both AC Milan and the Italy national team, recently passed away, shaking the football world. The tribute aims to honor his legacy and contributions to the sport.
Sky Italy: Baresi's Funeral to Be Held on August 4 at Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan
Italian football legend and AC Milan iconic captain Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66. According to a report from Sky Sports, Baresi's funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 4, at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan. The news was published by Hupu Soccer, citing a source on X (formerly Twitter). The article includes a brief tribute from fans, referring to Baresi as a 'great captain' and 'eternal Milan No. 6.'
AC Milan Team Observes Minute of Silence for Franco Baresi in Perth
On July 31, AC Milan legend and Italian football icon Franco Baresi passed away at the age of 66. The AC Milan team, currently in Perth, Australia, preparing for the new season, gathered with head coach Ruben Amorim, the coaching staff, and all players before today's training to observe a minute of silence in honor of Baresi. The tribute reflects the deep mourning within the club for one of its greatest defenders and a symbol of Italian football.
Carragher Pays Tribute to Baresi: In My Heart, He Is the Best Center-Back I Have Ever Seen
On July 31, AC Milan officially announced the passing of club legend and Italian icon Franco Baresi at age 66. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher paid tribute on social media, calling Baresi a groundbreaking superstar and the best center-back he has ever seen. Carragher also praised Baresi as a model of loyalty to one club, using AC Milan's red and black emojis and signing off with 'Rest in peace, captain.' The news was reported by Hupu Soccer, citing a post on X (formerly Twitter). The article includes images of Carragher's tribute and Baresi, and notes that the comment section is empty.
Maldini Mourns Baresi: You Taught Me What It Means to Be a Leader
On July 31, former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to his former teammate and captain Franco Baresi, who has passed away. In the message, Maldini expresses deep sorrow, recalling how Baresi taught him to fight to the last breath, love the jersey, and understand true leadership. Maldini describes Baresi as a protector in his childhood, a guide in his teenage years, and an inspiration in adulthood, calling him the best player he ever played alongside. He also sends condolences to Baresi's wife Maura and their children Edoardo and Giannandrea. The post ends with a red and black heart, symbolizing AC Milan's colors. The article was published by Hupu Soccer, a Chinese sports news platform.
AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66
Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan and Italy defender, has died at the age of 66. Baresi spent his entire 20-season professional career at AC Milan, making 719 appearances and winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, and four Italian Supercups. He was part of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning squad and also played in the 1994 World Cup final. AC Milan retired his iconic No. 6 jersey. Tributes poured in from the club, the Italian Football Federation, and former teammates including Paolo Maldini, who called Baresi the greatest player he ever played with, and Gianluigi Buffon, who recalled his debut against Baresi. The club described his passing as a profound loss, stating his example and integrity are forever etched into the club's DNA.
Franco Baresi: An all-time great who defined an iconic club and an entire nation
Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan and Italy defender, has died at the age of 66, prompting widespread tributes. Baresi is celebrated as one of football's greatest defenders, symbolizing Italian defensive excellence. He spent his entire 20-season career at AC Milan, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups, and other honors. His number six shirt was retired by the club. Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy, winning the 1982 World Cup (though he did not play) and delivering a legendary defensive performance in the 1994 World Cup final loss to Brazil despite a meniscus injury. He was the totem of Milan's 'Gli Invincibili' side that went 58 league games unbeaten.
Barcelona Pays Tribute to AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi After His Death at 66
AC Milan legend Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66. Barcelona FC issued an official statement expressing deep condolences, praising his leadership, elegance, and the precious legacy he left in football. The statement noted that his contributions will forever remain in the hearts of fans. The news was reported by Hupu Football on July 31, citing a post on X (formerly Twitter). Baresi, the eternal captain of AC Milan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
Buffon Pays Tribute to Baresi on His Passing: My Serie A Debut Was Against Him
Italian football legend Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66. In response, legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon paid tribute by recalling his Serie A debut on November 19, 1995, when he faced Baresi, then captain of AC Milan. Buffon, then 17 years old, described the experience as incredible and formative, stating that facing a champion like Baresi gave him a clearer understanding of class, leadership, and respect in football. The tribute was posted on social media platform X. The article, sourced from Hupu Football News, highlights the emotional connection between two generations of Italian football icons.
Former AC Milan defender Franco Baresi dies at 66
Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan defender and 1982 World Cup winner with Italy, has died at age 66. His death was announced on July 31, 2026, by AC Milan, the club where he spent his entire 20-year playing career. No cause of death was given, though Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule in August 2025 and subsequently began immunotherapy. His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026, where he carried the torch into San Siro. Baresi is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, captaining Milan to global dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning three Champions League titles, six Serie A titles, and multiple other trophies. He also helped Italy finish runners-up in the 1994 World Cup. Milan retired his No. 6 jersey upon his retirement in 1997, a first for Italian football. He was made honorary president of the club in 2020.
Inter Milan Mourns Franco Baresi: A Milan Derby Icon Passes Away at 66
AC Milan legend Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, prompting an official statement of mourning from rival club Inter Milan. Inter's statement described Baresi as a protagonist in the great clashes of the Milan Derby and one of the most important figures defining the history of the rivalry. It highlighted his role as captain, team pillar, and symbol of AC Milan, noting that every encounter with Inter was built on competition and respect. Inter Milan President Giuseppe Marotta and the entire club extended deepest condolences to the Baresi family, Mr. Beppe Baresi, and AC Milan. The news was reported by Hupu Football News, citing a source on X (formerly Twitter).
The Soccer 100: Franco Baresi — AC Milan's visionary capitano
Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan defender and Italy international, has died at age 66. The article, an excerpt from The Athletic's book 'The Soccer 100,' recounts his career as arguably the greatest centre-back ever. Baresi won six Serie A titles, three European Cups, and the 1982 World Cup during 20 seasons at Milan. The piece also explores his humble upbringing on a farm near Brescia, his deep understanding of space on the pitch, and a tribute from filmmaker Werner Herzog, who compared Baresi's vision to his own cinematic perspective. The article blends biographical details with reflections on his legacy as a visionary captain and regista-style defender.
The Soccer 100: Franco Baresi — AC Milan's visionary capitano
This article is an obituary and retrospective on Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan and Italy defender, who died at age 66. It recounts his humble upbringing on a farm near Brescia, his 20-season career at AC Milan where he won six Serie A titles and three European Cups, and his 1982 World Cup victory with Italy. The piece highlights his unique spatial awareness and vision, praised by filmmaker Werner Herzog, and draws parallels between Baresi's role as a deep-lying playmaker (regista) and Herzog's directorial vision. It also describes a personal trip Baresi took to the Amazon Theatre in Manaus, where he connected with indigenous archer Graciela Santos. The article is an excerpt from The Athletic's book 'The Soccer 100'.
Franco Baresi, AC Milan Legend and World Cup Winner, Dies at 66
Franco Baresi, widely regarded as the greatest centre-back in football history, has died at the age of 66. The Italian spent his entire 20-season club career at AC Milan, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups (Champions Leagues). He also lifted the 1982 World Cup with Italy. This article is an excerpt from The Athletic's book 'The Soccer 100,' which profiles the 100 greatest players of all time. It details Baresi's humble upbringing on a farm near Brescia, his visionary understanding of space on the pitch, and his deep connection to his roots. The piece also highlights a tribute from film director Werner Herzog, who compared Baresi's spatial awareness to his own cinematic vision. Baresi's death marks the end of an era for one of football's most iconic defenders.
Real Madrid Mourns Franco Baresi: One of Football's Greatest Legends
AC Milan and Italian football legend Franco Baresi has passed away at age 66 due to illness. Real Madrid Football Club issued an official statement expressing deepest condolences, calling Baresi not only a symbol of AC Milan but one of the greatest legends in Italian and world football history. Baresi epitomized the 'one club man' ideal, playing 719 matches for AC Milan and winning 3 European Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 6 Serie A titles, and 4 Italian Super Cups. Internationally, he represented Italy in three World Cups and lifted the 1982 World Cup trophy at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid extended sympathies to Baresi's family, friends, former teammates, and AC Milan.
Zanetti Mourns Baresi: Flag, Captain, Legend, Eternal No. 6, Rest in Peace
On July 31, Italian football legend and AC Milan iconic captain Franco Baresi passed away at age 66 due to illness. Tributes poured in from across the football world. Javier Zanetti, Inter Milan's vice president and a symbol of AC Milan's city rival, expressed his deepest condolences on social media. Zanetti wrote in Italian: 'Flag, captain, legend: Forever No. 6! Rest in peace, Franco.' The news was reported by Hupu Soccer, citing a post on X. Baresi is remembered as one of the greatest defenders in football history, having spent his entire career at AC Milan.
Franco Baresi, AC Milan and World Football Legend, Dies at 66
Franco Baresi, the legendary Italian defender and AC Milan icon, has died at the age of 66. The news was reported by Portuguese sports newspaper Record on July 31, 2026. Baresi is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, spending his entire club career at AC Milan, where he won multiple Serie A titles, European Cups, and the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy. His death marks a significant loss for the football world, with tributes expected from fans and clubs globally. The article includes multiple images of Baresi and is part of Record's latest news feed, which also covers other sports stories.