#5 Franco Baresi
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Only the appearance of Paolo Maldini as AC Milan’s ageless hero prevents Franco Baresi from ever being considered as the Italian club’s greatest captain. However, even so, the diminutive central defender deserves his place in the Rossoneri’s hall of fame, something they gave him after retiring his number 6.
However things didn’t start that well for the Italian, and overcoming odds has always been Baresi’s signature move. Rejected by Inter Milan after failing their trial, he refused to give up and moved across town to AC Milan who accepted him with their arms wide open. Donning the red and black, Baresi made his debut at 17 and was a part of the team that won a historic tenth scudetto, became captain at 22, leading them from Serie B to the top of the world.
As captain of the Rossoneri, Baresi lifted five of the six titles, three European cups, two Intercontinental trophies, three European Super Cups and four Italian ones. Milan finally retired his shirt after his retirement and it still hangs in the Curva Sud at San Siro, as to them and everyone connected with Milan, Baresi will remain long after his final game.
His former teammate, Ruud Gullit spoke about what made Baresi great, “A leader at the back, very strong and quick, with an excellent understanding of the game. As a defender, he could do everything.”
