Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Swedish soccer manager who made a significant impact on the sport both in his home country and abroad, passed away at the age of 76. Known affectionately as „Svennis“ in Sweden, Eriksson had a modest playing career before transitioning into coaching, where he found great success at club level in Italy, Portugal, and Sweden before becoming England’s first foreign-born coach in 2001.
Eriksson’s tenure as England’s manager was marked by both on-field success and off-field controversies. He led the national team to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, as well as the European Championship in 2004. Despite facing criticism for the team’s performances in major tournaments, Eriksson was praised for his innovative coaching style and ability to manage a talented group of players, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney.
Off the field, Eriksson’s personal life often made headlines, with his affairs with Swedish TV personality Ulrika Jonsson and a Football Association secretary, Faria Alam, attracting media attention. His time with England coincided with the rise of the WAG culture, where the partners of players became celebrities in their own right.
Before his time with England, Eriksson achieved success at various clubs, including winning the league-and-cup double with IFK Gothenburg in 1982 and capturing the UEFA Cup. He also won titles with Benfica in Portugal and led Lazio to their second Serie A title in 2000, along with two Italian Cups and the European Cup Winners‘ Cup.
Eriksson’s coaching career extended beyond England, with stints in charge of Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines national teams, as well as managing clubs in China. Known for his calm demeanor and excellent man-management skills, Eriksson was respected by his players and peers throughout his career.
In February 2023, Eriksson announced that he would be stepping down from his role as sporting director at Karlstad due to health reasons. It was later revealed that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, giving him at most a year to live. Despite the grim prognosis, Eriksson remained positive and grateful for his contributions to the sport.
The passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson has left a void in the world of soccer, with tributes pouring in from players, coaches, and fans around the globe. His legacy as a pioneering coach and ambassador for the game will be remembered for years to come, as he continues to inspire future generations of footballers.