Italian football experienced one of its most emotional days of the year this Tuesday. Thousands of fans, sports legends and representatives of the main institutions went to the Basilica of San Ambrose, in Milan, to say goodbye to Franco Baresi, the historic captain of AC Milan, who died on July 31 at the age of 66 after an illness.
The coffin of the former defender was received with applause that lasted for more than six minutes, accompanied by chants, banners and an atmosphere charged with emotion around the temple.
The last tribute to Franco Baresi brought together thousands of fans
Milan fans paid a heartfelt tribute to someone they consider one of the greatest symbols of the institution. Outside the basilica, a huge banner stood out with the message: "Franco Baresi, immortal legend. Inimitable flag that will never stop flying. Goodbye, captain", while the crowd repeated in unison: "A captain, there is only one captain."
Many fans came with the emblematic number 6 shirt, a number that the club retired after its retirement in recognition of its extraordinary career. That tribute set a precedent in Italian football, becoming one of the first numbers retired by a Serie A club.
Roberto Baggio, Paolo Maldini and other legends were present
The funeral brought together several of the most important figures in Italian football. Among those attending were Roberto Baggio, Paolo Maldini, Claudio Ranieri – current technical director of the Italian Football Federation – as well as the president of Serie A, Ezio Simonelli.
Baresi's former Milan teammates also attended, including Daniele Massaro, Roberto Donadoni, Filippo Galli, Marco van Basten, Giovanni Galli, Angelo Colombo and Alessandro “Billy” Costacurta.
Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Roma sent representatives to accompany the legendary defender's final farewell. Likewise, floral wreaths arrived sent by FIFA, its president Gianni Infantino, the city of Milan and the region of Lombardy.
The Italian Sports Minister, Andrea Abodi, also dedicated a few words to the former soccer player: “He was a great man. He always tried to combine class and style with simplicity in his behavior,” he said.
Franco Baresi's legacy at Milan and the Italian national team
Considered one of the best defenders of all time, Franco Baresi spent his entire professional career with Milan, a club with which he debuted in 1978 and from which he retired in 1997, becoming a true legend.
During his career he won 3 European Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 6 Serie A titles and 4 Italian Super Cups, in addition to becoming the great defensive reference of one of the most successful eras of the Rossonero team.
With the Italian team he played 82 games and participated in three World Cups. He was champion in Spain in 1982 and runner-up in the United States in 1994, consolidating a career that placed him among the most important footballers in the history of Italian football.
In 2025, a lung nodule was detected during a medical check-up. Although he underwent surgery, he never fully recovered. His last public appearance occurred at the San Siro stadium during the ceremony related to the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
