If on the pitch he spoke little but was very well understood, even in his private life Franco Baresi maintained a very reserved profile until the end. Even regarding his illness, he chose to keep everything out of the public eye, protecting the privacy that always accompanied him, in contrast to the fame and successes gained during 20 years with Milan and the Italian National Team. Married for many years to Maura Laurin, he had two sons: the firstborn Edoardo, born in 1991 in Mexico City, and Giannandrea, who came to the family in 1997, of Russian origin and adopted by the couple. Away from football he also experienced difficult moments, but always faced them with the humility and calmness of a man who knew how to win his battles.
Franco Baresi, a private life under the sign of humility
Franco Baresi always let the field do the talking instead of the gossip and, after retiring from football, the keyword of his life and that of his family was only one: privacy. A serious and very reserved man, together with his wife Maura Lauri they chose to stay as far away from the public eye as possible and only appear on special occasions, such as at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics or in very rare interviews, often related to Milan, a club with which he maintained a very strong relationship even after the end of his career.
This lifestyle choice was also reflected in the family. Very little is known about his two sons: Edoardo and Giannandrea have chosen to live away from the world of spectacle and sport, without following in their father's footsteps. Information on their professional lives and careers is scarce, as are their public appearances. The Baresi family returned to the spotlight only on a few occasions due to the economic and financial problems that surrounded them.
Franco Baresi and economic difficulties: always with your head held high
The charges brought against his wife Maura Lauri in 2005, for example, caused a stir when she was arrested on charges of participating in a criminal organization with the aim of defrauding. According to investigators, she had used her network of contacts to bring together victims among VIPs in a case related to the trade in luxury cars in the “Prestige Cars” operation. In the end, however, she was completely acquitted.
Previously, Franco Baresi's name was linked to another unpleasant story, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, due to the collapse of the small bank Credieuronord, founded in 2000 and quickly drowning in debt. Baresi's name appeared among well-known clients who lost significant amounts of money and guarantees given through unsuitable intermediaries and advisors.
Problems with justice
Franco Baresi himself was also involved in an investigation into an art gallery owner from Turin, from whom valuable paintings had been stolen, which, according to the accusation, had been moved to the former footballer's apartment to serve as "collateral" and increase their market value. To close the case and avoid a lengthy trial, Baresi accepted a plea deal with the justice system.
The inseparable bond with Milan, Franco Baresi's safe haven
All these events made his connection with Milan even stronger. The red and black club never abandoned its symbol: first Baresi became the coach of the youth teams, then honorary vice-president, thus finding professional stability and economic security.
A relationship that contributed even more to strengthening the myth of one of the most beloved and respected footballers of all time, a figure who managed to gain respect beyond rivalries and fandom.
