Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England national team manager, has died at the age of 76, his family has announced.
Eriksson had been battling pancreatic cancer and had revealed earlier this year that he only had about a year to live.
“Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away,” his family said in a statement. “After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”
Eriksson was the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team, taking over the role in 2001. He coached the “golden generation” of English players, including stars like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard.
Tributes have poured in for Eriksson, with Prince William, the president of the Football Association, calling him “a true gentleman of the game” and praising his “charisma and passion.”
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham also paid tribute, highlighting Eriksson’s “significant work with the England team” and the special memories he gave to fans, such as the 5-1 victory over Germany.
During his career, Eriksson managed several high-profile European clubs, including Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio.
He also had stints managing Mexico, the Ivory Coast, and English clubs Manchester City and Leicester City.
Eriksson’s family mentioned in their statement that he was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away, including his daughter, son, and girlfriend.
The former manager had previously expressed his hope to be remembered as “a good man” who tried to do everything he could.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his condolences, saying Eriksson would be “remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years.”
