Sven-Goran Eriksson, the trailblazing Swedish football manager who became the first non-British coach of the England national team, has passed away at the age of 76. Eriksson led England to the quarter-finals in three major tournaments during his tenure from 2001 to 2006.
Earlier this year, Eriksson revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was given “at best” a year to live. On Monday, his family announced his passing, stating, “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”
Eriksson’s illustrious career spanned 12 clubs, including stints at Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio, where he amassed a total of 18 trophies. His managerial prowess also took him to international roles with Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
After retiring as a player at the age of 27, Eriksson began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977. He quickly rose to prominence at Gothenburg, winning the Swedish title, two Swedish Cups, and the 1982 UEFA Cup. His success continued with Portuguese powerhouse Benfica and Italian clubs Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio, where he secured seven trophies, including the Serie A title and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
In his final year, following his diagnosis, Eriksson visited some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria. In March, the lifelong Liverpool fan led a Liverpool Legends team to victory against an Ajax Legends side at Anfield.
Eriksson shared a heartfelt message in his recently released documentary, “Sven,” saying, “I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds—it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”
