Franco Baresi, the legendary Italian defender who captained AC Milan through one of the most successful periods in the club's history, has died at the age of 66, the club announced on Friday.

Baresi spent almost his entire professional career at Milan. He became a symbol of the club and one of the finest defenders of his generation.

"Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi," the club said in a statement. It added that his character and leadership would remain part of Milan's identity.

Baresi joined Milan's youth system in 1974 and made his first-team debut four years later, shortly before his 18th birthday. He quickly established himself as a key player and became captain at the age of 22.

Known for his reading of the game, calm defending and leadership, Baresi helped Milan win three European Cups and six Italian league titles during the 1980s and 1990s.

He was also part of a famous Milan defence that included Paolo Maldini, Mauro Tassotti and Alessandro Costacurta. Together, they formed a back line that became one of the most respected in European football.

Baresi played 719 matches for Milan before retiring in 1997. Only Maldini made more appearances for the club.

At international level, Baresi won 81 caps for Italy. He was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup, although he did not play in the final.

He later captained Italy at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Italy reached the final but lost to Brazil on penalties, with Baresi missing his spot-kick in the shootout.

Baresi's career was not without disappointment. He missed the 1986 World Cup after falling out with Italy's coach, and another penalty shootout defeat ended his hopes of lifting the World Cup as captain.

AC Milan did not disclose the cause of his death. Baresi had undergone surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule.

After retiring, he remained closely connected to Milan. He took on several roles at the club and briefly worked as technical director at Fulham in England before returning to Italy.

His work away from football also became an important part of his later life. Through Fondazione Milan, the club's charitable arm, Baresi travelled to countries including Kenya, Morocco and Lebanon.

He later spoke about those experiences, recalling the poverty he encountered and the time he spent playing football with children in Lebanon.

For Milan supporters, however, Baresi's greatest legacy will remain on the pitch.

He wore the famous red and black shirt for nearly two decades and became so closely associated with the club that his No. 6 shirt was retired after his departure.

His death marks the end of an era for one of football's most admired defenders. For generations of supporters, Franco Baresi was more than a captain. He was the face of a Milan team that defined an age of European football.