Swedish football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, renowned for his tenure as England’s national team coach from 2001 to 2006, passed away on Monday at the age of 76 after battling pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by his agent, Bo Gustavsson.
Eriksson, affectionately known as “Svennis” in Sweden, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.
Eriksson’s death comes after a public battle with pancreatic cancer, which he first disclosed in January 2023. He had stepped back from public life in February of the same year due to health concerns.
Born on February 5, 1948, in Sunne, Sweden, Eriksson transitioned from a modest playing career as a defender to an illustrious career in football management.
He began his managerial career with Swedish club Degerfors IF in 1977, leading them to success in the lower divisions, which paved the way for opportunities with larger clubs.
He went on to manage IFK Göteborg in Sweden, Benfica in Portugal, and several Italian teams, including Roma and Lazio, where he found considerable success.
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Eriksson’s most notable role was as the manager of the England national football team, where he made history as the first foreigner to hold the position.
Under his leadership, England reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, as well as the last eight of the 2004 UEFA European Championship.
Despite some controversies, including a high-profile affair with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson, Eriksson remains a significant figure in English football history.
His former club Lazio paid tribute to him on social media, saying, “Thank you for everything you have done for us, coach.”
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English Football Association, also expressed his condolences, acknowledging Eriksson’s contribution to England’s football history.
After leaving the England job in 2006, Eriksson continued his managerial career with stints at Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines, though he never managed the Swedish national team.
In March 2023, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by managing Liverpool Legends in a charity match, an experience he described as “absolutely beautiful.”
Eriksson’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career in football management, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans and players alike.
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