De Zerbi Hails Baresi as the Greatest Defender After Milan Academy Memories Resurface

FolioPitch.com – 02 August 2026 | Roberto De Zerbi has opened his heart about the late Franco Baresi, delivering a tribute that has touched the football world. The Tottenham Hotspur manager, who came through the youth ranks at AC Milan, paused during a press conference to remember the Rossoneri icon. In his emotional remarks, De Zerbi revisits his time in Milan s academy as Baresi was incredible, offering a personal perspective that few modern coaches can share.

De Zerbi spent several formative years in Milan’s youth system, and during that period Baresi was still patrolling the San Siro defence with legendary authority. Now and then, the teenager was invited to train with the senior squad, and those sessions left an indelible mark. Watching Baresi up close, De Zerbi absorbed lessons that would later shape his own football philosophy. The Italy international defender was not just a teammate of his idols; he was a mentor in motion.

During the press conference, De Zerbi was asked directly about the passing of Franco Baresi. The former Sassuolo and Brighton boss did not hesitate to place Baresi on a pedestal above all others. He described him as the best defender in the world, a great captain and a great player. It was a heartfelt assessment delivered with genuine sorrow. De Zerbi also acknowledged the sadness of the moment, noting that many players today never saw Baresi play and therefore cannot fully understand his greatness.

In perhaps the most striking line of the tribute, De Zerbi said Baresi was maybe even better than Paolo Maldini. That statement carries enormous weight, given Maldini is universally regarded as one of the finest defenders in the history of the game. De Zerbi made sure to praise both legends, but his personal memories of Baresi clearly stand apart. He recalled a leader who commanded the backline with intelligence, timing and relentless consistency.

This is not the first time De Zerbi has spoken warmly of Milan. His bond with the club runs deep, and his latest comments reinforce that connection. When De Zerbi revisits his time in Milan s academy, Baresi was incredible is not simply a nostalgic statement; it is a reminder of the standards that shaped a generation. The Argentine-born Italian manager has often cited Milan’s methodology and winning culture as foundational elements in his own development.

De Zerbi’s previous roles have shown his tactical sophistication, but his emotional intelligence is equally evident in moments like these. He understands that Baresi was not just a defender but a symbol of leadership and professionalism. For a coach who demands intensity and organisation, Baresi represents the ideal defensive archetype. It is no surprise that De Zerbi would hold him in such high esteem.

As Tottenham’s manager, De Zerbi is currently focused on the challenges of the Premier League, but the passing of Baresi has clearly affected him deeply. He revealed that he spoke with several players who knew Baresi’s reputation but never witnessed his brilliance firsthand. For De Zerbi, that gap in football education is unfortunate, because Baresi’s influence extended far beyond tackles and interceptions. He was a master of positioning, reading the game two steps ahead of everyone else.

The legacy of Franco Baresi will endure through tributes like this one. De Zerbi’s words add a personal layer to the collective mourning, showing how the Rossoneri’s academy once produced not only great players but also future coaches who pass on those memories. The fact that De Zerbi revisits his time in Milan s academy as Baresi was incredible speaks to the enduring power of lived experience. He is not recounting highlights from television; he is recalling the feeling of sharing a training pitch with a legend.

There is also a sense of unfinished business in De Zerbi’s relationship with Milan. He has never hidden his affection for the club, and many supporters dream of seeing him in the dugout at San Siro one day. For now, he remains committed to Tottenham, but football is unpredictable. Should that opportunity ever arise, the foundation of his admiration will certainly include those precious moments with Baresi.

In the end, De Zerbi’s tribute is a reminder that true greatness is often best measured by those who witnessed it in person. As he put it, Baresi was incredible, maybe even better than Maldini. Those are not just words of praise; they are a glimpse into a football education that began in Milan’s academy and never ended. The memory of Franco Baresi will live on, and thanks to Roberto De Zerbi, a new generation can understand why he remains one of the greatest to ever play the game.