There were emotional scenes as the fans and club legends said goodbye at Franco Baresi’s funeral, but also some jeers aimed at current patron Gerry Cardinale.
The iconic captain died last week at the age of 66, he had been receiving treatment after announcing pulmonary nodules had been found in August 2025.
His funeral was held this morning at the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio in Milan and it was televised on Rete 4 in Italy, attended by former teammates, colleagues and friends.
Baresi given special Milan send-off
Thousands of fans lined the streets, turning the area around the church into a Curva Sud of San Siro, complete with huge flags, banners, fireworks and chants.
‘Legend, immortal, inimitable flag that will never stop waving. Ciao Captain,’ read a large sign.
It was emotional to hear the supporters chant Baresi’s name and the songs that had echoed around the arena whenever he took to the pitch, this time giving their final salute.
🔴⚫️ You’ll Never Walk Alone
(via @AntoVitiello) pic.twitter.com/oyWxaQSUYy— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) August 4, 2026
However, the stadium atmosphere spilled out a little too much when RedBird patron and Milan owner Cardinale arrived, then after the funeral emerged from the basilica and spoke to reporters.
He was drowned out by loud jeers from some of the supporters, along with the usual calls for the American to sell up and leave the Rossoneri.
I fischi della Curva Sud hanno accolto la dirigenza del Milan davanti alla basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, a Milano, prima dei funerali di Franco Baresi. Il presidente Paolo Scaroni ha attraversato la piazza tra urla e contestazioni, seguito da Gerry Cardinale, proprietario del club… pic.twitter.com/RlNrlASv2L
— La Stampa (@LaStampa) August 4, 2026
It was not the ideal way to say goodbye to Baresi, who had after all still been the honorary vice president of AC Milan, working in Cardinale’s tenure.
There were also audible jeers for current President Paolo Scaroni, and Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala.
RIP Capitano. ✝️🙏