Franco Baresi Funeral Draws Thousands in Milan

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Thousands gathered in Milan to attend the funeral of Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain and Italy defender who died at age 66. Baresi’s legacy as one of football’s greatest defenders was honored by players, fans, and the retirement of his iconic No. 6 jersey, reflecting his profound impact on club and country.

Thousands gathered in Milan to honor Franco Baresi, the legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender, at his funeral service held on Tuesday at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. Baresi passed away on Friday at the age of 66.

A one-club player throughout his professional career, Baresi captained AC Milan for 15 seasons, making 719 appearances and leading the team to six Serie A titles and three European Cup victories. Regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history, his No. 6 jersey was retired by the club as a tribute to his lasting legacy.

Baresi also had a distinguished international career, earning 81 caps for Italy and contributing to the national team's 1982 World Cup triumph. The funeral attracted numerous former players and football figures, including Paolo Maldini and Marco van Basten, who led the tributes. Other notable attendees included Clarence Seedorf, Roberto Baggio, and Alessandro Costacurta, all former AC Milan teammates and national team colleagues.

Fans lined the streets of Milan in large numbers to pay their respects, underscoring Baresi’s impact on both club and country. The commemorations celebrated his achievements on the field as well as his enduring influence in Italian football.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.