Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain and honorary vice-president, has passed away at the age of 66. Baresi spent his entire club career with the Rossoneri, serving as captain for 15 seasons. He is widely recognised as one of football’s greatest defenders, having revolutionised the role and led Milan’s defence through periods of significant domestic and European success.
During his 20 years with Milan, Baresi amassed 719 appearances across all competitions. His achievements with the club include six Serie A titles, three European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, four Italian Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin described Baresi as the “ultimate symbol of Italy’s great defensive tradition,” highlighting his tactical intelligence, warrior’s heart, and gentlemanly conduct.
A career of loyalty and revolution
Baresi’s journey with Milan began early, joining the club after a trial at the age of 14. This was despite his older brother, Giuseppe Baresi, already being at Inter. Franco Baresi’s loyalty to Milan was evident throughout his career, particularly during challenging times for the club, including relegations and financial difficulties before Silvio Berlusconi took over in 1986. Milan became a surrogate family for Baresi after his parents passed away before he turned 16.
Under coach Arrigo Sacchi, appointed in 1987, Baresi became central to a tactical revolution. Sacchi implemented a full-blown flat back four and hard pressing, a radical approach in Serie A at the time. Baresi, already known for his impeccable reading of the game, embraced this new style. He played a crucial role in internalising these processes within the squad, even urging Sacchi to push the players harder in training to master the new system.
Baresi was not only the captain but also considered the moral heart of the team. His commitment to Sacchi’s revolutionary tactics was instrumental in the squad’s adoption of the new playing style. This led to Milan winning the scudetto in 1988 and securing consecutive European Cup victories, playing what is remembered as some of the most memorable football.
International career and lasting legacy
On the international stage, Baresi made 81 appearances for Italy, scoring once. He was part of the 1982 World Cup-winning squad, though he did not play. He also participated in UEFA EURO 1980 and 1988. Baresi notably captained the Azzurri in the final of the 1994 World Cup, where he recovered from knee surgery to play, overseeing a clean sheet despite Italy’s loss in a penalty shootout.
His defensive prowess was widely acknowledged, with Gianfranco Zola calling him the best defender he ever faced. Baresi was known for his ability to anticipate the game, his precise pass selection, and his toughness, famously playing more than an hour of a Milan derby in 1989 with a broken arm. His iconic number 6 shirt is etched into the club’s DNA, symbolising his example and integrity.
AC Milan expressed profound sadness at his passing, stating that “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears.” Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò also acknowledged the loss of an “extraordinary champion” who represented only Milan and the national team throughout his career.
Baresi’s impact extended beyond his playing days, with his understanding of space and the game earning tributes from figures like German director Werner Herzog. His early life on a farm near Travagliato, where he learned to care for a single leather football, shaped his dedication. He first appeared for Milan in the spring of 1978 at the age of 17.
The club provided a stable environment for Baresi, who became an orphan at a young age, allowing him to develop into one of Italian football’s most celebrated leaders. He played every game in the season Milan won their 10th Scudetto, a landmark commemorated with a gold star on their shirts.
His legacy as a visionary captain and a defining figure in Italy’s new era of defending will always be associated with the red-and-black shirt of Milan.
He passed away on Friday at the age of 66.
Source: theguardian.com
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