Sven-Göran Eriksson, the former manager of the English national football team and a pioneering figure in football, has passed away at the age of 76. Eriksson, who was born in Sweden in 1948, was renowned for being the first foreign manager to take charge of England’s national team, a position he held from 2001 to 2006.
Eriksson had been battling illness for some time and had stepped down from his role as Sporting Director at Karlstad FC in 2023, after being given just a year to live. His passing marks the end of a storied career that spanned decades and left a significant impact on international football.
The Swedish-born coach first made history with IFK Göteborg, leading them to victory in the 1981/82 UEFA Cup. His success continued at Benfica, where he won three Primeira Liga titles and a Portuguese Cup. These accomplishments solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s top managers, paving the way for his appointment as England’s manager.
During his tenure with England, Eriksson led the national team to two FIFA World Cups (2002 and 2006) and UEFA Euro 2004. He managed England’s so-called “Golden Generation,” a team that included footballing legends such as David Beckham, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney. One of the most memorable moments under Eriksson’s leadership was England’s 5-1 victory over Germany in a 2001 World Cup qualifying match in Munich—a game that remains etched in the memories of England fans.
On Monday, August 26, a statement from Eriksson’s agent confirmed his passing. “Sven-Göran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, he died peacefully in the morning at home, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.
He is survived by his daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with her son Alcides; and brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.
In response to the news, the Football Association (FA) released a statement, expressing their sorrow: “This is a sad day for football. Sven gave England fans many special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under his guidance. Sven will be rightly recognized and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team and his wider contribution to the game. On behalf of my colleagues at The FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be greatly missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”
Sven-Göran Eriksson’s legacy as a football manager and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come. His pioneering role as England’s first foreign manager, combined with his success at the club level, ensures that his name will remain prominent in the annals of football history.
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