Sven-Goran Eriksson, the iconic Swedish soccer manager who made history as England’s first foreign-born head coach, has passed away at the age of 76.

Known for his impressive coaching career across Italy, Portugal, and Sweden, Eriksson left an indelible mark on the soccer world before his death, which occurred at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Eriksson leaves behind a lasting legacy

Eriksson’s passing follows his battle with pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he revealed eight months prior, stating that he had been given a year to live.

His agent, Bo Gustavsson, shared that Eriksson’s final days were swift, with the illness progressing rapidly in the last few weeks.

Despite this, Eriksson maintained his characteristic positivity and thoughtfulness toward others until the very end.

Eriksson, affectionately known as “Svennis” in Sweden, had a modest playing career before transitioning to a coaching role at the young age of 27.

His coaching journey was a storied one, reaching its peak when he was appointed as England’s head coach in 2001.

He guided the team, featuring stars like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, to the World Cup quarterfinals in both 2002 and 2006, as well as to the European Championship quarterfinals in 2004.

However, his tenure with England was as notable for his on-field successes as for his off-field controversies, including high-profile personal affairs and the rise of the WAG culture.

Sven’s storied career ended at Anfield

Beyond his time with England, Eriksson enjoyed success at the club level, particularly in Italy, where he led Lazio to several trophies, including a historic league title in 2000.

He also had successful stints in Sweden, Portugal, Mexico, and with other international teams, although his achievements with England remained a highlight of his career.

In January 2024, Eriksson disclosed his terminal cancer diagnosis.

Despite the grim news, he was able to fulfill a lifelong dream by managing a Liverpool Legends team in a charity match at Anfield two months later.

Eriksson, a lifelong Liverpool fan, cherished this experience, calling it a fitting finale to his remarkable career.

“To finish with Liverpool, it can’t be much better than that,” he said.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former players, clubs, and fans, all of whom remember him not only as a great coach but as a person who remained positive and caring until the very end.