Paolo Maldini, one of AC Milan’s greatest-ever players, has paid an emotional tribute to Franco Baresi, saying: ‘You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult. You were the greatest footballer I have ever had the honour of playing alongside.’

Football across the world is mourning the passing of legendary AC Milan and Italy defender Baresi, who has died at the age of 66.

Among those to honour Baresi was former Milan defender Maldini, who played alongside him for both the Rossoneri and the Italy national team.

“Hi Franco. Today I feel the same way I did whenever, for any reason, you couldn’t take the field alongside us. How will we go on without you, Captain?” Maldini wrote.

“You taught me to fight until my very last breath, what it means to have a true bond with the shirt you wear, and the value of being a real leader. You taught me all of this through your example, every single day. Few words, but countless actions.

“You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult. You were the greatest footballer I have ever had the honour of playing alongside.

“My warmest embrace goes to your entire family, especially your wife Maura and your children, Edoardo and Giannandrea.

“We will miss you, Captain. But the light of your star will continue to guide us forever.”

Baresi spent his entire playing career with AC Milan, making 719 appearances for the Rossoneri and winning several major honours, including six Serie A titles and the Champions League on three occasions.

He underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and then began a course of immunotherapy.

Baresi scored one goal in 81 appearances for the Italy national team, winning the World Cup in 1982 and reaching the final in 1994.