AC Milan have issued an official statement rejecting false social media claims that club legend and honorary vice president Franco Baresi had passed away.

The rumours, which spread rapidly on Wednesday evening, alleged that Baresi had died at the age of 66. The club moved quickly to shut down the misinformation before it could spread further.

"AC Milan denies the false reports concerning Franco Baresi that have begun circulating in recent minutes. Franco is going through a difficult and delicate time, and the Club stands firmly alongside him and his family. We urge everyone to respect their privacy and refrain from spreading entirely unfounded information."

The statement came after Baresi revealed in August 2025 that he had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and had since started a course of immunotherapy.

A one-club legend

Baresi's story is the very definition of loyalty. He came through AC Milan's youth academy and went on to represent only the Rossoneri throughout his entire senior career, from 1977 to his retirement in 1997.

Across 716 competitive appearances, he scored 33 goals and contributed 24 assists. His trophy haul was extraordinary — three UEFA Champions League titles, six Serie A championships, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Super Cups, and four editions of the Supercoppa Italiana.

Such was his importance to the club that AC Milan retired his No. 6 shirt at the end of his final season in 1997. In 1999, he was voted the club's Player of the Century. He was named honorary vice president in October 2020, having previously served in coaching roles within the club's youth setup.

International glory and personal heartbreak

On the international stage, Baresi was part of the Italy squad that lifted the 1982 FIFA World Cup — the country's first world title in 44 years. At the 1990 World Cup on home soil, he earned a place in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team as Italy finished third.

He captained Italy at the 1994 World Cup, guiding them all the way to the final, but suffered the anguish of missing a penalty in the shoot-out as Brazil claimed the trophy.

Baresi also represented Italy at two UEFA European Championships — in 1980 and 1988 — and at the 1984 Olympics, reaching the semi-finals in each of those tournaments.

In 2004, Pelé named him among the 125 Greatest Living Footballers at the FIFA centenary awards ceremony, and in 2013 he was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.