In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was expected to have at most a year to live. He had stepped down from his role as sporting director at Karlstad in Sweden the previous February due to “health issues which are under investigation.”

Eriksson’s death was confirmed by his agent Bo Gustavsson and UK PR representative Dean Eldredge. He passed away at home on Monday morning, surrounded by family. The family has requested privacy during this time. Eriksson’s career spanned over four decades, during which he won 18 trophies. Starting with Degerfors IF and IFK Göteborg, he achieved notable success, including the Swedish title and UEFA Cup in 1982. His success continued with Benfica, Roma, and Lazio, where he secured the Serie A title in 2000.

Coaching career of Sven-Göran Eriksson

Sven-Göran Eriksson’s managerial career began in Sweden, where he initially made his mark with IFK Göteborg. Under his guidance, the team achieved notable success in European competitions, winning the UEFA Cup in 1982. These victories established Eriksson as a formidable coach with a keen tactical mind, laying the foundation for a career that would see him manage some of Europe’s top clubs and England.

Following his successes with Göteborg, Eriksson’s reputation grew, leading to stints in various European leagues. In 1997, he took over as manager of Lazio in Italy’s Serie A, where his impact was immediate and profound. Eriksson led Lazio to win the Serie A title in the 1999-2000 season, as well as the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Super Cup in 1999. His innovative approach and strategic prowess were key factors in Lazio’s domestic and continental success during his tenure.

Eriksson’s career reached new heights when he was appointed as the manager of the English national team in 2001. His time with England saw mixed results but included significant achievements, such as reaching the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 World Cup. His tenure also saw England reach the semi-finals of the 2004 UEFA European Championship. While his time with the national team was often scrutinized, Eriksson’s ability to manage high-profile players and navigate the pressures of international football was notable.

In the latter part of his career, Eriksson continued to demonstrate his managerial versatility. He managed clubs such as Manchester City in the English Premier League, where he guided the team to a fifth-place finish in the 2007-2008 season. Eriksson also had stints with the national teams of Mexico and Ivory Coast, showcasing his adaptability to different footballing environments and his continued relevance in the global football landscape. His career is marked by a blend of domestic and international success, underscoring his legacy as one of the prominent figures in football management.

Championships won by Sven-Göran Eriksson

Degerfors IF

• Division 3 Västra Svealand: 1978

IFK Göteborg

• Svenska Cupen: 1978–79, 1981–82
• UEFA Cup: 1981–82

Benfica

• Primeira Divisão: 1982–83, 1983–84, 1990–91
• Taça de Portugal: 1982–83
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 1989

Roma

• Coppa Italia: 1985–86

Sampdoria

• Coppa Italia: 1993–94

Lazio

• Serie A: 1999–2000
• Coppa Italia: 1997–98, 1999–2000
• Supercoppa Italiana: 1998, 2000
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1998–99
• UEFA Super Cup: 1999

Following his tenure with England, Eriksson continued to work in various leagues and roles, including stints with Manchester City, Lazio, and the Mexican national team. His management style, characterized by tactical flexibility and a strong emphasis on player morale, has been influential, though his career has seen its share of both successes and controversies. Eriksson’s impact on international football remains significant, particularly for his innovative approaches and the high-profile teams he has managed.

In January 2024, Eriksson revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, with doctors estimating he had roughly a year left to live. Despite this, in February 2024, it was announced that Eriksson would be joining the Liverpool Legends management team for their charity match against Ajax in March. In a new Amazon Prime Video Sport documentary, the former England and Mexico manager gave a heartfelt message to the viewer.

Sven-Göran Eriksson says goodbye in documentary

“I had a good life,” Eriksson stated in the documentary entitled Sven which will be released on August 23rd. “I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.

“You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully, at the end, people will say, ‘Yeah, he was a good man’. But everyone will not say that.

“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”

Sven-Göran Eriksson won 18 titles in his career, with his most notable work being with Serie A side Lazio, where he won the Serie A title in the 1999–2000 season, showcasing their dominance in Italian football. Additionally, Eriksson led Lazio to triumph in the Coppa Italia twice, in the 1997–98 and 1999–2000 seasons. His achievements extended to the Supercoppa Italiana, with victories in 1998 and 2000. Internationally, Eriksson’s Lazio also claimed the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1998–99 season and the UEFA Super Cup in 1999, marking a period of notable success both domestically and in European competitions.