A farewell that moved the entire world
The news travelled around the planet within hours. The passing of Franco Baresi, eternal captain of AC Milan and an absolute legend of world football, triggered an avalanche of condolence messages from every corner of the globe. From South America to Europe, through to the United States — even the New York Times dedicated space to his figure — the name of Baresi resonated wherever there was a football fan.
A spontaneous and cross-border tribute that speaks louder than any statistic about the greatness of a man who represented the symbol of Italian football worldwide. Not just an AC Milan icon, but a universal symbol of sport.
Funeral on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
The funeral of Franco Baresi will take place Tuesday morning at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan, one of the city’s most emblematic landmarks. It is not the first time that basilica has hosted a painful farewell for the Rossoneri world: ten years ago, in 2016, within those same walls, the funeral of Cesare Maldini was held — another unforgettable legend of AC Milan. A place that now carries two eternal names in the history of Italian football.
Those who wish to say a final goodbye to Franco Baresi can attend Tuesday morning at the Basilica. It promises to be a deeply moving and well-attended occasion, as befits a figure of such magnitude.
A minute of silence at all friendly matches this weekend
The FIGC issued an official statement ordering that a minute of silence be observed at all friendly matches over the weekend, in memory of the great Rossoneri captain. A well-deserved and heartfelt gesture from Italian football towards the man who embodied its highest values for decades.
Tributes from across the world: Del Piero, Bergomi, Buffon and even Romario
The outpouring of grief swept through the football world without distinction of club or nationality. Historical rivals such as Alessandro Del Piero, Giuseppe Bergomi and Gianluigi Buffon expressed heartfelt words in memory of Baresi. From Brazil, even Romario joined the collective tribute, underlining how only a giant of football can receive such moving declarations even years after his playing days.
The club’s ownership also spoke publicly: both Gerry Cardinale, AC Milan’s owner, and president Paolo Scaroni issued official condolence messages through the club’s press office.
Franco Baresi passed away at just 66 years of age, leaving a void impossible to fill. But every Rossoneri fan knows that the number 6 will never belong to anyone else. His story, his legacy and the memory of a life in red and black will remain forever etched in the heart of anyone who loves football.
