Thousands of supporters clad in red and black lined the streets of Milan on Tuesday morning to pay their final respects to Franco Baresi. The legendary central defender and longtime AC Milan captain passed away last week at the age of 66 following a period of ill health, triggering a wave of grief across world football.
The funeral service was held at the historic Sant'Ambrogio Basilica in central Milan, where fans waved flags emblazoned with Baresi's iconic No. 6 shirt and unveiled banners reading "Ciao Capitano." The ceremony brought together European football royalty, former teammates, and fierce rivals to honor one of the most revered figures in the history of the sport.
Baresi’s legacy as the quintessential libero—a defender defined by unmatchable positional reading, elegance, and leadership—was reflected in the high-profile attendance at Tuesday's service.
Among those paying their respects were:
- AC Milan & Italy Greats: Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Roberto Baggio, Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Costacurta, and former manager Fabio Capello.Current Squad
- Representatives: While the primary AC Milan squad is currently in Australia on a pre-season tour, first-team players not involved in the travel party—including USA international Christian Pulisic—attended the service in person.
- Club Executive Leadership: Senior officials and club ownership were present, underscoring Baresi's enduring institutional role as AC Milan's honorary president, a position he held since 2020.
Across a 20-year professional career spent entirely with the Rossoneri from 1977 to 1997, Baresi amassed 719 appearances and 33 goals. He captained the club for 15 seasons, anchoring a historic defensive line that claimed 18 major trophies, including six Serie A titles and three European Cup/UEFA Champions League crowns.
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy, winning the 1982 FIFA World Cup and famously captaining the Azzurri in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil after recovering from knee surgery mid-tournament.
Tributes to Continue Ahead of Milan Derby
Baresi’s impact extended beyond trophies; his loyalty to AC Milan—remaining with the club even during two separate stints in Serie B during the early 1980s—established an irreplaceable bond with the fanbase. Following his retirement in 1997, AC Milan officially retired his No. 6 jersey, making him the first player in club history to receive the honor.
The commemorations for the iconic defender will transition from the streets of Milan to the pitch. AC Milan is scheduled to pay a formal club-wide tribute to their late captain on Wednesday ahead of their pre-season Derby della Madonnina friendly against Inter Milan, where both clubs will join to honor a figure who defined Italian football for two decades.
Baresi’s impact extended beyond trophies; his loyalty to AC Milan—remaining with the club even during two separate stints in Serie B during the early 1980s—established an irreplaceable bond with the fanbase. Following his retirement in 1997, AC Milan officially retired his No. 6 jersey, making him the first player in club history to receive the honor.
The commemorations for the iconic defender will transition from the streets of Milan to the pitch. AC Milan is scheduled to pay a formal club-wide tribute to their late captain on Wednesday ahead of their pre-season Derby della Madonnina friendly against Inter Milan, where both clubs will join to honor a figure who defined Italian football for two decades.
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