Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson has died aged 76, his family said. Eriksson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and announced in January that he had “a year to live at best”.
Eriksson was the first foreign coach of the England national team. He was responsible for England’s “Golden Generation” and managed 67 games between 2001 and 2006.
He led England to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments, including the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and also coached Manchester City, Leicester and Lazio during his long career.
Eriksson was diagnosed with cancer after suffering a stroke while jogging near his home in Sweden, and he bid a final farewell to the public in a documentary about his life released on August 23.
Prince William, a patron of the Football Association, led the tributes and remembered Eriksson as a “true gentleman of the game”.
A few months ago, Eriksson fulfilled a childhood dream: he took charge of a Liverpool legends team in a friendly match against Ajax – he had been a fan of the club since he was a child. He was also given a tour of the training facilities and met the then coach Jürgen Klopp.
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Sven-Göran Eriksson says goodbye with a heartbreaking farewell message before his death
A statement on his official website confirmed that he died on Monday morning (26 August) surrounded by his family.
“I had a good life,” Eriksson noted.
Sven-Göran Eriksson says goodbye with a heartbreaking final message
Sven Goran-Eriksson shared a heartbreaking final farewell message before dying from a terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 76. The former England football manager said in January that he was nearing the end of his life and had a year to live in a “best case scenario”. A statement on his official website confirmed that he died surrounded by family on Monday morning (26 August). In an Amazon Prime documentary about his life, Eriksson addressed former players, coaches and fans with a message filmed over the Swedish countryside near his home. “I’ve had a good life,” Eriksson noted.
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 12:50
Sven-Göran Eriksson’s last time as coach before his death
Footage of the game resurfaced after Eriksson died on Monday, August 26, following an incurable cancer diagnosis.
In January, he announced that he was nearing the end of his life and, at best, had one year left to live.
Sven-Göran Eriksson’s last time as coach before his death
Sven-Göran Eriksson received a standing ovation as he took to the field for the last time as a manager before his death in March 2024. The former England manager coached his beloved Liverpool in a ‘Legends’ match at Anfield, where he received thunderous applause from fans. Footage of the game resurfaced after Eriksson died on Monday 26 August following a terminal cancer diagnosis. In January, he shared that he was nearing the end of his life and had a year left to live in a ‘best case scenario’.
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 16:40
Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney pay tribute to Eriksson
Gary Lineker said on Instagram: “A really nice guy, RIP Sven.”
Wayne Rooney said on X: “Rest in peace Sven. A special man. Thank you for the memories and all your help and advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Sonia Twigg26.08.2024 16:29
Sven-Göran Eriksson receives much applause
Harry Kane shared his own tribute on Instagram: “I didn’t have the privilege of playing under Sven but I know how loved and respected he was by those who played under him as England manager. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 16:20
Sven-Göran Eriksson receives much applause
Peter Crouch said on X: Really sad news. What a great man he was. Sven gave me my England debut when many doubted it. I will be eternally grateful to him. We will miss him.
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 16:00
Sven-Göran Eriksson led England’s “golden generation”
Here are some photos of Sven-Göran Eriksson as England coach:
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 15:45
Sven-Göran Eriksson receives much applause
David James told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Sven was such a wonderful man. (I’m) shocked because even though we knew the disease was fatal, you’re never really prepared for the worst.”
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 15:30
Swedish football pays tribute
Swedish football said on X: “Football is sad. Sven-Göran “Svennis” Eriksson, one of Swedish football’s most influential coaches, has left us after a period of illness. With his outstanding success as a coach, Svennis has inspired leaders in Swedish football for decades and his influence reaches far beyond Sweden’s borders. Svennis’ international career began in 1982 when he led IFK Göteborg to victory in the UEFA Cup. He has also won three league titles with Benfica and Serie A with Lazio, and led the England men’s national team at two World Cups and one European Championship. Our thoughts are with Svennis’ family and friends at this difficult time. Thank you, Svennis, for everything you have done for football, both in Sweden and abroad. Rest in peace.”
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 15:15
Image tribute to Sven-Göran Eriksson
Here are some photos from Sven-Göran Eriksson’s career:
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 14:58
Sven-Göran Eriksson receives much applause
Kasper Schmeichel said on Instagram: “It feels very strange to have to write this and I feel like I’ve had to write too many of them over the years. Just last night I was sitting watching the documentary about his life. And what a life! We have lost an incredible man who I owe a lot to. Sven was the first manager who really believed in me and gave me a chance at the highest level. He was the first manager to call me world class and he made me feel 10 feet tall. He gave me my Premier League debut, took me to Notts County and eventually Leicester where I spent the best time of my career. It’s a huge loss for football and the world. I want to thank him for everything he did for me. My thoughts are with Sven’s family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sven”
Sonia Twigg26 August 2024 14:46
