RIP Franco Baresi. 8 May 1960 – 31 July 2026 One of the greatest defenders of all time, Franco Baresi was either a sweeper or central defender with A. C. Milan, with whom he spent his entire career. He made 710 appearances and scored 31 goals for Milan in 20 years with the club, and was club captain for 15 of those years. In their list of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century, World Soccer magazine ranked Baresi at number 19. Although Baresi was capable of playing anywhere along the backline, he primarily excelled as a centreback and as sweeper, where he combined his defensive attributes, and his ability to read the game, with his excellent vision, technique, distribution and ball skills. Baresi’s list of titles with Milano is impressive. He won three UEFA Champions’ League/European Cup titles in 1989-90 and 1994; six Serie A titles 1979, 1988, 1992-94, 1996; four Italian Super Cups 1988, 1992-94; two European Super Cups in 1990 and 1994; and two Intercontinental Cups 1989-90 . ...