Italian legendary star Baresi passes away at 66, spent entire career at Milan, won World Cup.

On July 31, Beijing time, Serie A giants AC Milan issued an obituary, announcing the passing of Italian legend and Milan icon Franco Baresi at the age of 66. According to Sky Italy reporter Di Marzio, Baresi had been battling a serious illness for some time and passed away today.

Milan said with grief in the official obituary: "The entire history of the club is in tears over Baresi's death. His exemplary qualities and integrity will forever be engraved in the club's DNA, just like his iconic number 6 jersey. In this difficult moment, AC Milan extends its deepest condolences to Baresi's family, and this sorrow is shared by every Rossoneri fan, as everyone regards this loss as their own."

Born in 1960, Franco Baresi, a defender, spent his entire playing career at AC Milan and still holds the club's record of 719 appearances.

Throughout his career, Baresi helped Milan win 6 Serie A titles, 3 Champions League titles, 2 Intercontinental Cups, and 4 Italian Super Cups. The only major Italian club competition he failed to win was the Coppa Italia.

Since 2020, Baresi served as the honorary vice president of AC Milan. At the national team level, Baresi made 81 appearances for Italy in various competitions, winning the 1982 World Cup, along with one runner-up and one third-place finish. Alongside Beckenbauer, he is recognized as one of the greatest liberos of the 20th century.