Thousands of mourners, including former teammates and football dignitaries, gathered in Milan on Tuesday to pay their final respects to Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders in football history, who died last week at the age of 66. The funeral service was held at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, where a giant Milan flag flew beside his coffin in the square outside.
A Career Spanning Two Decades
Baresi spent his entire 20-year career with AC Milan, making 719 appearances for the club. During his tenure, he helped the Rossoneri secure six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, and four Italian Super Cups. His loyalty and skill earned him the nickname “Capitano,” and his No. 6 jersey was retired by the club when he hung up his boots at the end of the 1996-97 season.
Former Milan teammates Marco van Basten and Roberto Donadoni were among those who carried Baresi’s coffin into the basilica, while other legends such as Paolo Maldini and Mauro Tassotti were seen examining wreaths placed on the casket. Daniele Massaro and Dejan Savicevic held a commemorative replica of Baresi’s captain’s armband.
Outpouring of Grief and Tributes
Fans lined the streets to salute the funeral cortege, with many waving flags and holding banners reading “Immortal legend, inimitable flag that will never stop waving. Goodbye, Captain.” The club sent a wreath with the message “AC Milan to our Captain, forever,” and a wreath from FIFA was also displayed.
Among the attendees were current AC Milan players Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez, who interrupted the team’s pre-season tour in Australia and Indonesia to be present. Gerry Cardinale, founder of Milan’s majority owner RedBird Capital Partners, Italy’s Sport Minister Andrea Abodi, and Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala also attended the service.
Legacy and Remembrance
Baresi’s funeral drew a large crowd, reflecting the deep affection fans held for the defender, who is widely regarded as one of the finest in the history of the game. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world, with many remembering his leadership and defensive prowess.
The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio was filled to capacity with mourners, and shirts bearing Baresi’s No. 6 were placed alongside his coffin. As the service concluded, fans remained outside, chanting his name and applauding as the coffin was taken inside.
Baresi’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements; he was a symbol of loyalty and dedication, having spent his entire professional career with one club. His influence on the game and on AC Milan will be remembered for generations to come.
