Thousands of football fans, along with representatives from clubs and federations across Europe, gathered on Tuesday at the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan for the funeral of Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan captain who died on 31 July at the age of 66 following an illness.
As his coffin arrived at the basilica, mourners broke into applause that lasted more than six minutes, accompanied by chants and banners honouring the man who captained the Rossoneri for more than a decade.
One large banner read: "Franco Baresi, immortal legend. An inimitable flag that will never stop flying. Goodbye, captain." Fans packed into the square outside the basilica also chanted, "One captain, there is only one captain," as emotion swept through the crowd.
Fans Honour Baresi's Retired Number
Many of the thousands who gathered wore replicas of Baresi's number 6 AC Milan shirt, a number the club retired when he ended his playing career, the first time such a tribute had been made in the history of Italian football.
A Homily for a Defensive Great
Delivering the homily, Abbot Carlo Faccendini said Baresi had been a champion whose class, tenacity and strength were recognised by everyone, noting that in the days since his death he had been described as the finest defender the game had ever produced. The abbot also praised Baresi's leadership as a captain without equal, saying his story encompassed not only his many trophies but also his defeats and bitter tears.
Football Dignitaries Pay Their Respects
Figures from Italian football's governing bodies attended the service. Claudio Ranieri, the newly appointed technical director of the Italian Football Federation, entered the basilica to applause alongside former player Roberto Baggio. Ezio Simonelli, president of Italy's Serie A league, was also present.
Wreaths From FIFA and Rival Clubs
Numerous floral wreaths arrived at the basilica in tribute to the Milan great, including ones sent by FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, as well as by clubs including Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Roma, and by the city of Milan and the Lombardy region.
Former Milan teammates also attended, among them Daniele Massaro, Roberto Donadoni, Filippo Galli, Marco van Basten, Giovanni Galli, Angelo Colombo, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro "Billy" Costacurta. Real Madrid and Barcelona each sent a representative.
Speaking on his arrival, Italy's sports minister, Andrea Abodi, said Baresi had been a great man who always tried to combine class and style with simplicity in his conduct.
A Career Spent Entirely at AC Milan
Baresi played his whole career at AC Milan, making his debut in 1978 and retiring in 1997, establishing himself as one of the greatest defenders in the sport's history. With the club he won three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Super Cups, six Italian league titles and four Italian Super Cups.
Illness and Final Public Appearance
In 2025, doctors detected a pulmonary nodule during a medical check-up. Baresi underwent surgery but never fully recovered. His last public appearance came at the San Siro stadium during the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
International Career With Italy
Baresi played 82 matches for the Italian national team across three World Cups. He was a world champion with Italy at the 1982 tournament in Spain and finished as runner-up at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
