Franco Baresi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Franco Baresi
OMRI

Baresi in 1979
Personal information
Full name	Franchino Baresi
Date of birth	(1960-05-08)8 May 1960
Place of birth	Travagliato, Brescia, Italy
Date of death	31 July 2026(2026-07-31) (aged 66)
Place of death	Rozzano, Milan, Italy
Height	1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Centre-back
Youth career
1972–1977	AC Milan
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1977–1997	AC Milan	532	(16)
International career
1982–1994	Italy	81	(1)
Managerial career
2002–2006	AC Milan Primavera
2006–2008	Milan Primavera (Berretti)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Italy FIFA World Cup Winner 1982 Spain Runner-up 1994 United States 1990 Italy
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Franco Baresi, born on May 8, 1960, was a famous Italian football player and manager. He was known as one of the best defenders ever. Franco spent his entire 20-year playing career with the Italian club AC Milan. He was the team's captain for 15 seasons, showing incredible loyalty. Many people consider him one of the greatest defenders in football history. He was even ranked among the top 20 players of the 20th century by World Soccer magazine.

With AC Milan, Franco Baresi won many important trophies. These included three European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles, six Serie A championships, and several other cups. He also achieved great success with the Italian national team, winning a World Cup.

He was part of the Italian team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. This was a huge victory for Italy after many years. Franco also played in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, where his strong defense helped the team finish third. He was even chosen for the World Cup All-Star Team that year. In the 1994 FIFA World Cup, he captained Italy to the final. Although Italy lost to Brazil in a penalty shootout, Franco's performance was outstanding. He also played for Italy in two UEFA European Championships and the 1984 Olympics.

Franco was the younger brother of another famous footballer, Giuseppe Baresi. When he first joined AC Milan, he was called "Piscinin," which means "little one" in Milanese. Later, because of his amazing skills, fans called him "Kaiser Franz." This was a tribute to another great defender, Franz Beckenbauer. In 1999, AC Milan fans voted him their Player of the Century. When he retired in 1997, the club honored him by retiring his number 6 jersey forever. This means no other player at AC Milan can wear that number. In 2004, the legendary player Pelé named Franco Baresi among the 125 greatest living footballers. He was also added to the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Franco Baresi passed away on July 31, 2026, at the age of 66.

Growing Up: Franco Baresi's Early Years

Franco Baresi grew up on a farm near the town of Travagliato in northern Italy. He didn't even watch football on TV until he was 10 years old! This shows that even the greatest players can start without much exposure to the sport.

Playing for AC Milan: A Loyal Career

Franco Baresi started his football journey in the AC Milan youth team. He stayed with AC Milan for his entire 20-year professional career. He made his first team debut in Serie A when he was just 17 years old, in April 1978.

Interestingly, Franco was first turned down by the youth team of Inter Milan, AC Milan's big rival. They chose his older brother, Giuseppe, instead! But AC Milan saw Franco's talent and signed him. Later, both brothers became captains of their respective Milan teams. Their image of exchanging team flags before a match became a famous symbol of the Milan derby.

Becoming a Star Defender

In his second season, Franco became a regular starter for AC Milan. He played as a sweeper or a central defender. These positions are key for protecting the goal. That season, 1978–79, AC Milan won the Serie A title. It was their tenth league championship! Franco played alongside famous players like Fabio Capello and Gianni Rivera.

Challenges and Leadership

After their league win, AC Milan faced some tough times. The club was moved down to Serie B (the second division) twice in the early 1980s. This was a difficult period for the team.

Even though he was a young player and part of the Italian national team that won the 1982 World Cup, Franco Baresi chose to stay with AC Milan. His loyalty was incredible! He helped the team win the Serie B title twice, bringing them back to Serie A. In 1982, at just 22 years old, Franco became the captain of AC Milan. He remained captain for many years, becoming a true leader and symbol for the club. During these challenging years, he also helped Milan win the Mitropa Cup in 1982.

The Golden Era: Milan's Legendary Defence

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, AC Milan entered a "golden era." Franco Baresi was the heart of an amazing Italian defense. He played alongside other legends like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti. Many experts believe this was one of the greatest defenses in football history!

When talented Dutch players like Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard joined the team, AC Milan became unstoppable. They won many titles both in Italy and across Europe. Between 1987 and 1996, the team was full of stars.

Under coach Arrigo Sacchi, Milan won the Serie A title in 1988. Franco's defense was so strong that they only let in 14 goals all season! They also won the Supercoppa Italiana and two European Cups in a row (1989 and 1990). In the 1990 European Cup Final, Captain Baresi led his team to a 1-0 victory, keeping a "clean sheet" (meaning the opponent didn't score). Franco was even voted second for the Ballon d'Or award in 1989, which is given to the best player in Europe.

More Trophies with Fabio Capello

Under a new coach, Fabio Capello, Franco Baresi continued to lead AC Milan to success. They won four more Serie A titles, including three in a row from 1991 to 1994. In the 1991–92 season, Milan won the title without losing a single match! This was an Italian record of 58 games unbeaten.

During the 1993–94 season, Franco's defense was incredible again. Milan only allowed 15 goals in Serie A, showing they had the best defense. He also helped Milan win three Supercoppa Italiana titles in a row. In 1994, Baresi won his third European Cup/UEFA Champions League. Milan beat Johan Cruyff's Barcelona "Dream Team" 4-0 in the final!

Retirement and Legacy

Franco Baresi retired from playing football at the end of the 1996–97 season, at 37 years old. In his 20 seasons with AC Milan, he won six Serie A titles, three European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles, two Intercontinental Cups, and many other trophies. He scored 31 goals for Milan, many of them from penalty kicks.

To honor his amazing career, AC Milan retired his number 6 shirt. This means no other player at the club will ever wear that number again. His captain's armband, which he wore for 15 seasons, was passed to his teammate Paolo Maldini. A special match was held in his honor in 1997, with many football stars attending.

International Career: Playing for Italy

At just 20 years old, Franco Baresi was chosen for Italy's squad for the 1980 European Championship. He was also part of the team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Even though he didn't play in those tournaments, being part of the winning squad was a huge achievement for a young player. He also played for Italy in the 1984 Olympics, where Italy reached the semi-finals.

World Cup Heroics

Franco Baresi made his first World Cup appearance in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Italy. He played in every match as a starting defender. His strong defense helped Italy keep five "clean sheets" in a row and finish in third place. His excellent performances earned him a spot on the 1990 World Cup Team of the Tournament.

For the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Franco Baresi became Italy's captain. He suffered an injury early in the tournament but made an incredible return for the final against Brazil. He played a fantastic defensive game, helping Italy keep a clean sheet. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, and it went to a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, Franco missed his penalty, and Italy lost the final.

After the 1994 World Cup, Franco Baresi played one more match for Italy before retiring from international football at age 34. He played 81 games for Italy and scored one goal. He is one of only seven players to have won gold, silver, and bronze FIFA World Cup medals in his career.

Style of Play: A Master Defender

Franco Baresi played his entire career with AC Milan, becoming a true legend. He was part of one of the greatest defensive groups ever, alongside players like Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta. Franco was known for being a very consistent and complete defender. He had great speed, strength, focus, and stamina. Even though he wasn't the tallest, he was good at winning headers.

Baresi's Italy jersey (6) next to Paolo Maldini's jersey at the San Siro museum, September 2018

Franco was excellent as a centre-back and a sweeper. He combined his defensive skills with great vision, technique, and ball control. He was very good at reading the game and stopping opponents' attacks. He was also known for raising his arm to signal an offside trap, a smart defensive tactic. Franco's passing skills allowed him to start attacks from the back, almost like a secondary playmaker. He was also a good penalty kick taker.

Franco Baresi was a strong and accurate tackler, excellent at winning the ball back. He was also known for his intelligence, speed of thought, and great positioning. From a young age, he showed professionalism, athleticism, and discipline. He was an outstanding leader and captain for both AC Milan and the Italian national team.

Franco Baresi also shares the record for the most own goals scored in Serie A history (eight).

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Franco Baresi became the director of football at Fulham in England for a short time in 2002.

He then returned to AC Milan to coach their youth teams. He was the head coach for Milan's Under-20 squad and later the Under-19 squad. He eventually retired from coaching.

Personal Life and Passing

Baresi in 2012

Franco Baresi was the younger brother of Giuseppe Baresi, who was a legendary defender for Inter Milan. When they were young, both brothers tried out for Inter, but Franco was rejected. He then joined AC Milan, Inter's rivals. Because Franco became so successful, he was often called "Baresi 2" at first, but later, Giuseppe became known as "the other Baresi."

In 1981, Franco faced a serious health challenge due to a blood infection. He needed a wheelchair for a time during his treatment.

Later in his life, Franco faced some health challenges. In August 2025, he had lung surgery.

In February 2026, Franco Baresi and Giuseppe Bergomi were surprise torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan. They carried the Olympic torch through the San Siro stadium.

On July 29, 2026, there was a misunderstanding about his health when a news report falsely stated he had passed away. AC Milan quickly clarified the situation, confirming he was still with them but experiencing a health setback. Franco Baresi passed away two days later, on July 31, 2026, in Rozzano, Milan, at the age of 66.

Media Appearances

Franco Baresi is featured in the EA Sports football video game series FIFA 14's Classic XI. This is an all-star team of famous players. He was also included in the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 15.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Baresi goal.

List of international goals scored by Franco Baresi

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	20 February 1988	Stadio della Vittoria, Bari, Italy	Soviet Union	1–0	4–1	Friendly

Honours

AC Milan

• Serie A: 1978–79, 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96
• Serie B: 1980–81, 1982–83
• Supercoppa Italiana: 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994
• European Cup/UEFA Champions League: 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94
• European Super Cup: 1990, 1994
• Intercontinental Cup: 1989, 1990

Italy

• FIFA World Cup: 1982; Runner-Up: 1994; Third Place: 1990
• Scania 100 Tournament: 1991

Individual

• Serie A Team of The Year: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992
• Ballon d'Or Runner-Up: 1989
• Coppa Italia Top Scorer: 1989–90
• Guerin d'Oro: 1989–90
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1990
• Onze de Onze: 1990, 1991, 1992
• Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": 1994
• World Soccer The Greatest Players of the 20th Century #19
• AC Milan Player of the Century: 1999
• AIC Serie A Player of the Century: 2000
• FIFA 100: 2004
• UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll: #17th
• AC Milan Hall of Fame
• FICTS Hall of Fame and Excellence Guirlande d'Honneur
• Golden Foot: 2012 (Under the Category of "Football Legend")
• Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2013
• Ballon d'Or Dream Team (Silver): 2020
• IFFHS All-Time Men's Dream Team: 2021
• IFFHS Legends

Orders

• 
  4th Class / Officer: Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 1991

See also

In Spanish: Franco Baresi para niños