Milan Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Baresi: Silence, Applause, and the No.6 Shirt

FolioPitch.com – 01 August 2026 | In a deeply moving moment at the Sam Kerr Football Center in Perth, the AC Milan squad and staff came together to honour the late Franco Baresi. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as the team observed a minute of silence, followed by warm applause and the symbolic laying of a No.6 shirt on the centre circle. This was the scene that captured the world’s attention: watch Milan squad and staff honour Baresi with silence, applause and laying of shirt, a ritual that transcended football and spoke to the profound respect for a true legend.

The tribute, captured on video and shared by the club, showed head coach Ruben Amorim gathering the players in a tight circle. With Mike Maignan absent, defender Matteo Gabbia stepped forward as captain, carefully placing a jersey bearing the iconic No.6 on the pitch. The squad then bowed their heads in silence, a moment that seemed to pause time itself. As the silence lifted, a wave of applause echoed across the training ground—a heartfelt farewell to a man who defined an era for the Rossoneri.

Franco Baresi, who passed away at the age of 66, was more than just a captain; he was the soul of AC Milan for two decades. His vision, leadership, and loyalty transformed the club into a global powerhouse. From his debut in 1978 to his final match in 1997, Baresi lifted six Serie A titles, three European Cups, and numerous other honours. But to those who knew him, his legacy went far beyond trophies. His name became synonymous with defensive excellence, and his number 6 was retired by the club as a mark of eternal gratitude.

The news of Baresi’s passing sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Within hours, tributes poured in from former teammates, rivals, and clubs across the globe. Paolo Maldini, his long-time defensive partner, expressed his sorrow in an emotional message, calling Baresi “a brother and a teacher.” Even opponents who once dreaded facing him acknowledged his greatness, with many agreeing that football had lost one of its finest ambassadors. The collective mourning highlighted how Baresi’s influence stretched far beyond the San Siro, touching the hearts of fans everywhere.

In Perth, where the Milan squad is currently on a pre-season tour, the tribute was a personal and intimate affair. The players, many of whom never had the chance to see Baresi play live, still felt the weight of his legacy. As the video circulated online, supporters around the world echoed the sentiment: watch Milan squad and staff honour Baresi with silence, applause and laying of shirt—a simple yet powerful act that reminded everyone of the bonds that football creates. The club’s official channels later posted the footage with a caption that simply read: “Legend Forever.”

The gesture was not just about remembrance; it was about passing a message to the next generation. Ruben Amorim, speaking after the session, emphasised how important it was for the young players to understand what Baresi stood for. “He was the heart of this club,” Amorim said. “We wanted to show that his spirit lives on in every one of us who wears this shirt.” The players responded with a collective show of unity, standing shoulder to shoulder as they applauded a man they never met but whose influence they feel every day.

As the football community continues to grieve, the images from Perth serve as a timeless reminder of Baresi’s impact. The act of placing that No.6 shirt on the ground was more than a tribute; it was a promise that his legacy will never fade. For those who missed the live ceremony, the video provides a chance to witness a truly special moment. In the coming days, Milan will hold further commemorations, but it is this raw, unscripted display of respect that will linger in the memory.

In conclusion, the passing of Franco Baresi marks the end of an era, but his spirit remains woven into the fabric of AC Milan. The scene in Perth—where players and staff stood together in silence, then burst into applause over a simple shirt—captured the very essence of what football should be about: respect, loyalty, and love. As the world watches the video and remembers a giant of the game, one thing is certain: watch Milan squad and staff honour Baresi with silence, applause and laying of shirt will be remembered as one of the most touching tributes in football history.