KUALA LUMPUR – Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, known for winning multiple honours at the club level, has passed away after battling pancreatic cancer for the past year.
The 76-year-old Swede, who became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001, coached the so-called “golden generation” of players, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard.
He leaves behind a family of nine.
In a statement from his agent, Bo Gustavsson, it was said that the legendary coach passed away in the morning at his home, surrounded by his family.
“After a long illness, Sven died this morning at home, surrounded by family.”
“His closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven Snr; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.
“The family asks to respect their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted,” the statement read.
The Swede managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio, winning 18 trophies.
Eriksson also had spells in charge of 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 before joining fellow Swedish side Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish title, two Swedish Cups, and the 1982 UEFA Cup.
He then went on to enjoy two spells with Portuguese giants Benfica, as well as managing Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio—where he won seven trophies, including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Following his diagnosis, Eriksson spent the year visiting some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria.
In March, the Swede, a lifelong Liverpool fan, helped lead a Liverpool Legends team to a 4-2 victory against an Ajax Legends side at Anfield.
He shared a poignant message at the end of his new documentary film Sven, which was released earlier this month.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy who tried to do everything he could.
“Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything—coaches, players, the crowds—it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourselves and take care of your lives. And live with them.” – August 26, 2024