Sven-Goran Eriksson, the pioneering Swedish football manager who made history as the first non-British manager of the England national team, has passed away at the age of 76.
Eriksson, who led England to three consecutive quarter-final appearances in major tournaments between 2001 and 2006, died peacefully at his home in Bjorkefors, near Sunne, Sweden, after a courageous battle with cancer.
In January, Eriksson publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had “at best” a year to live. His children, Lina and Johan, confirmed his passing on Monday, stating, “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully this morning. He fought bravely with his illness, but now it has come to an end.”
Eriksson’s career was marked by significant achievements across Europe. He managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, Roma, and Lazio, where he won 18 trophies. His managerial journey also included stints with national teams such as Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
After retiring as a player at 27, Eriksson began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977. He then moved to Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish title, two Swedish Cups, and the 1982 UEFA Cup. His success continued with two spells at Portuguese giants Benfica and managing Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio, where he secured seven trophies, including the Serie A title and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Despite his illness, Eriksson spent the last year visiting former clubs and reconnecting with the football community. In March, he even took part in a Liverpool Legends match at Anfield, showcasing his lifelong passion for the game.
In his recently released documentary, Sven, Eriksson shared a heartfelt message, reflecting on his life and legacy. “I had a good life. Life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is,” he said. “Hopefully, at the end, people will say, ‘Yeah, he was a good man.’ Don’t be sorry, smile.”
Eriksson’s contributions to football and his enduring positivity will be remembered by fans and colleagues around the world.
(Source: BBC)