Introduction

On 31 July, Italian icon Franco Baresi passed away this morning at the age of 66.

Greatest Defender of All Time

Franco Baresi was viewed as one of the greatest defenders of all time, with many people comparing him to Paolo Maldini, showing his greatness. He became an icon of football with AC Milan and Italy, marking an unforgettable era for different generations.

Reason of His Death

Franco Baresi died after a year-long battle with a lung tumour. The tumour was discovered in August 2025, where he successfully underwent surgery.

AC Milan denied all the rumours about his illness and kept everything private. However, multiple reliable outlets later confirmed that Baresi had been battling a pulmonary tumour before his death.

The Milan legend was transferred to Humanitas Hospital in Rozzano, Milan, in late July 2026 as his condition worsened. He spent the final days of his life in hospital before passing away on 31 July 2026, heartbreaking football fans around the world.

My Perspective

In my perspective, Baresi was an inspirational player both on and off the pitch. His loyalty to AC Milan is unbreakable, and nowadays we rarely see this kind of loyalty in modern football.

He was a man who did not talk a lot, but he always showed his authority to his teammates, referees, and fans through his leadership and performances.

Inter’s Tribute to Milan Legend

After Baresi’s heartbreaking death, AC Milan’s biggest rivals Inter paid tribute, showing the brotherhood and respect between the two clubs.

“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.”

Baresi’s Achievements and Career

Competition	Titles	Years	Club / Team
Serie A	6	1978–79, 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96	AC Milan
Serie B	2	1980–81, 1982–83	AC Milan
Supercoppa Italiana	4	1988, 1992, 1993, 1994	AC Milan
European Cup / UEFA Champions League	3	1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94	AC Milan
UEFA Super Cup	3	1989, 1990, 1994	AC Milan
Intercontinental Cup	2	1989, 1990	AC Milan
Mitropa Cup	1	1982	AC Milan
FIFA World Cup	1	1982	Italy