Photo: CONI.
Italy mourns Franco Baresi. The death of the legendary AC Milan defender was announced on Friday. The 1982 World Cup winner was 66 years old. He won six Italian league titles and three Champions League titles with the club. Red-blackBaresi had also participated in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984where Italy had finished fourth.
The IOC joins the global sporting community in mourning the passing of Franco Baresi and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers around the world. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ctmbtglfyB
- IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) July 31, 2026
The Milan-Cortina 2026 organizing committee had insisted that he wear the flame during the opening ceremony of the Gamesin February, at the San Siro stadium. The IOC reacted on its social media: From the biggest stages of world football to the role of torchbearer at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Franco Baresi was an Olympic athlete and a football icon who inspired others through his friendship, respect, and excellence. The IOC pays tribute to his memory and celebrates a life dedicated to sport. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans around the world. »
Le president of CONI, Luciano Buonfiglioalso praised this icon of Calcium : " I had the privilege of meeting Baresi when I expressed my wish that he carry the Olympic flame into his stadium, San Siro. I was struck by his charisma, the qualities of a universally respected champion, and the moral stature of this man. I will propose to the world of football to remember him on the opening day of the championship, in order to pay tribute to his memory and to celebrate an example that will continue to inspire us. "This tribute should therefore take place on the weekend of August 22nd and 23rd."
