Sven-Göran Eriksson, the former England manager, has passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his representatives. The announcement revealed that Eriksson died at home on Monday morning, surrounded by his family, following a prolonged illness.
Earlier this year, Eriksson disclosed that he was battling terminal cancer and had been given approximately a year to live. This revelation led to an outpouring of support from former colleagues and fans worldwide. According to sources close to Eriksson, his illness was identified as pancreatic cancer.
Eriksson’s children, Johan and Lina, along with his partner Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo Mendoza, have shared their reflections following his passing. In their statement, they expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support Eriksson received from the football community. They highlighted the memorable interactions he had with various football teams and fans across Europe, which they found deeply moving.
Eriksson is perhaps best known for his tenure as the head coach of the England national team, where he was the first non-English manager to take on the role. Leading what was often referred to as England’s “Golden Generation,” he worked with top players like David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Steven Gerrard over two World Cups and a European Championship.
Reflecting on his career in March, Eriksson spoke about the stresses and rewards of football management. He expressed a deep affection for the game, describing it as a powerful and addictive pursuit.
Born in Sunne, Sweden, Eriksson started his career in amateur soccer before transitioning to coaching at the age of 27. His early success with Degerfors IF and IFK Göteborg, where he won the UEFA Cup, marked the beginning of a distinguished career. His achievements continued with Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, and Lazio, where he led the team to several domestic and European titles.
Eriksson’s tenure with England saw notable successes and challenges, including two penalty shootout defeats to Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006. Despite criticisms from the British tabloids, Eriksson held a special fondness for his time with England and the Premier League.
In addition to his time managing Manchester City, Eriksson’s career extended to coaching international teams like Ivory Coast, China, Mexico, and the Philippines. His personal life, often scrutinized by the media, was marked by notable relationships and public interest, which Eriksson largely dismissed.
As he faced terminal illness, Eriksson continued to embrace life fully. Liverpool FC honored him by inviting him to participate in a charity match and expressed their condolences after his passing. Tributes poured in from across the football world, including from Prince William, who praised Eriksson’s charisma and passion for the game. In a recent documentary, Eriksson urged people to remember him positively and to live life to the fullest.