AC Milan deny legendary Baresi death rumours amid health updates

On Wednesday evening, social‑media messages claimed that legendary AC Milan captain Franco Baresi, aged 66, had died, prompting a flurry of speculation. The club quickly issued a statement denying the reports, confirming that Baresi is alive and that the rumours are unfounded.

The official communication began, “AC Milan denies the false reports concerning Franco Baresi that have begun circulating in recent minutes,” the club wrote. The wording underscores the urgency with which the Rossoneri felt compelled to act after the rumors spread widely.

The statement added, “Franco is going through a difficult and delicate time, and the Club stands firmly alongside him and his family.” It further pleaded, “We urge everyone to respect their privacy and refrain from spreading entirely unfounded information.”

Baresi himself disclosed in August 2025 that he had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule. Following the operation, he began a course of immunotherapy, indicating a challenging recovery period.

Italy mourns Milan legend Franco Baresi after serious illness

The former defender spent his entire professional career at AC Milan, rising through the youth academy to debut in 1977 and retiring in 1997. During that span he amassed 716 competitive appearances, scored 33 goals and delivered 24 assists. His trophy cabinet includes three Champions League titles, six Serie A crowns, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Super Cups and four Supercoppa Italiana victories.

Since October 2020, Baresi has served as an honorary vice president of the club. He has also contributed as a coach within the AC Milan youth academy in earlier years.

In 1999, supporters voted him Milan’s Player of the Century and the club retired his number 6 shirt after his final season. Pelé later named him among the 125 Greatest Living Footballers in 2004, and he entered the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Milan grieves loss of Franco Baresi, 1982 Mondiali champion

Internationally, Baresi was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup‑winning squad, the nation’s first triumph in 44 years. He featured in the 1990 World Cup on home soil, earning a place in the FIFA World Cup All‑Star Team, and captained Italy at the 1994 tournament, where he missed a penalty in the final shoot‑out. He also appeared at the 1980 and 1988 European Championships and the 1984 Olympics, reaching the semi‑finals on each occasion.

Despite the club’s clarification, the false reports continue to circulate online, highlighting the need for careful verification of such claims. AC Milan has asked supporters and media to respect Baresi’s privacy while he focuses on his health recovery.