Italian
Former Milan and National team captain Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66. His number 6 jersey was the first to be retired in the history of Italian football
MILAN – When the epic of Franco Baresi began, I was in diapers. Yet, despite not sharing the same football allegiance, whenever I think of the classic stadium chant “There’s only one captain”, my thoughts always go to him. An immense career, the quintessential flag bearer of Milan, the greatest libero in Italian history after the late Gaetano Scirea.
There are a thousand frames that are currently flashing before my eyes. From the beginnings with Nils Liedholm, to the cycle of successes with Arrigo Sacchi, then through Fabio Capello, Tabarez, and finally the retirement after twenty years in red and black, spent moreover with the captain’s armband on my arm.
Amidst six championships, like his jersey number, and a double 6 also characterizes his age, three Champions Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and four Italian Super Cups. One of the most successful players in the history of Italian football.
Nominated for the Ballon d’Or seven times, second in 1989 behind Marco van Basten. Ranked 33rd in the list of the best footballers of the twentieth century compiled by IFFHS.
And here the treasure chest of memories takes me straight back to the final in Pasadena, USA ’94. Baresi had injured his meniscus in the group match against Norway. He was immediately operated on and after just 23 days he was on the field, armband on his arm, for the World Cup final against Brazil. 120 minutes of absolute dominance against champions like Romario and Bebeto.
He is the first to take the final penalties, high, over the crossbar. Then there will be the mistakes of Massaro and the most famous one by Roberto Baggio. His desperate crying at the end of the match embraced by coach Sacchi is perhaps the most iconic image of that World Cup. He had just returned, had played a lion’s match, was the first to take the responsibility to shoot, as captain. And he failed.
Yet he had already lifted that Cup in 1982, when he became World Champion in Spain despite never playing. He played 81 times with the National Team, scoring only one goal. Three World Cups participated in (1982, 1990, and 1994), two European Championships (1980 and 1988), and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 1984.
Franco Baresi retired in 1997 and Milan became the first team in Italian history to retire a jersey. Since then, no one has worn the iconic red and black number 6.
His last public appearance was on February 6, 2026 during the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina. He and the historic captain of Inter Beppe Bergomi had the honor of bringing the Olympic Flame onto the field of his San Siro. One of the most emotional moments of the evening, with Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma by Puccini.
A worthy final lap for a champion who belonged to everyone, not just the Rossoneri fans. A man, before being a footballer, respected and appreciated by anyone who had met or faced him. Probably the last true player of a football that no longer exists, just like his number 6 jersey, which will forever belong only to him.
Condolences
These are the words of the President of CONI, Luciano Buonfiglio: “I had the privilege of knowing Baresi when I expressed my desire to have him as a torchbearer in his stadium, at San Siro, during the Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. It was not only a necessary tribute but a shared emotion. I was struck by the charisma, the quality of the universally appreciated champion, and the moral stature of the man. I will propose to the world of football to remember him on the first day of the championship, to honor his memory and to highlight an example that will continue to accompany us forever.”
The President of FIGC Giovanni Malagò: “Italian football loses one of its legends. An extraordinary champion who throughout his career wore only two jerseys, that of Milan and the blue one. A romantic choice that has rightfully earned him a place in the hearts of fans and millions of Italians. We will remember him as he deserves during the upcoming National team matches, that National team to which he has always shown exceptional attachment, becoming one of its most glorious symbols.”
The touching tribute from Paolo Maldini, who inherited the captain’s armband at Milan: “Hello Franco, Today I feel the same sensation as when, for any reason, you couldn’t step onto the field by our side: how will we manage without our Captain? You taught me to fight until the last breath, what it means to be attached to the shirt and the value of being a true leader. You did it by example, every day: few words, but countless actions. You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult. You were the strongest player I have ever had the honor to play with. A heartfelt hug to your entire family, especially to your wife Maura and your children, Edoardo and Giannandrea. We will miss you, Captain. But the light of your star will continue to guide us forever. 
“
Photo Credits: Figc.it/Coni.it
