AC Milan have officially dismissed rumours claiming club legend and honorary vice-president Franco Baresi has died. The Rossoneri moved swiftly on Wednesday evening after false reports about the 66-year-old’s condition began spreading quickly across social media platforms.

Milan issue official denial

The Italian club acted to stop the speculation by releasing a formal statement through their official channels. Milan made it clear they were unhappy with how rapidly the baseless claims had spread, causing needless concern among supporters and people close to the former captain. The club stated firmly that the reports were entirely untrue and called for the speculation to stop immediately.

“AC Milan denies the false reports concerning Franco Baresi that have begun circulating in recent minutes,” the official statement said. “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.”

Health battles and privacy

Baresi has been dealing with serious health issues over the last year. In August 2025, the World Cup-winning former defender disclosed that he had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule. After that operation, he began a course of immunotherapy, a treatment he has continued since then.

That medical background appears to have helped fuel the false rumours on social media on Wednesday evening, with many users wrongly believing the reports of his death were genuine.

The legacy of a one-club man

Widely considered one of the finest defenders in football history, Baresi remains the defining symbol of AC Milan. A genuine one-club player, he came through the club’s youth system and spent his entire 20-year professional career in Rossoneri colours, from 1977 until retiring in 1997.

During those two decades at San Siro, Baresi built an outstanding list of honours. In 716 competitive matches for Milan, the iconic sweeper registered 33 goals and 24 assists while leading one of the most admired defensive units in football alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti. His trophy collection includes three Champions League titles, six Serie A titles, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Super Cups and four Supercoppa Italiana trophies.

Continued role at San Siro

Even after retirement, Baresi’s connection with Milan has never weakened. After serving the club in a number of roles, including a spell as a youth academy coach, he was named honorary vice-president in October 2020. His continued presence at San Siro remains an important link between the Rossoneri’s glorious past and the modern era.