Football Icon Sven-Göran Eriksson Dies Aged 76: A Look at His Legacy | OneFootball

Sven-Göran Eriksson: The Iconic Manager Who Left an Indelible Mark on Football

Sven-Göran Eriksson, the renowned Swedish football manager who etched his name into the annals of football history, has passed away at the age of 76. As the first overseas manager to take the helm of the England national team, Eriksson’s career was marked by numerous highs and a few notable controversies. His death, confirmed by his agent Bo Gustavsson through UK PR agent Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in football history. Eriksson passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, having revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

A Journey from Humble Beginnings to European Success

Eriksson’s managerial journey began in his native Sweden with Degerfors IF before he moved on to one of the country’s leading clubs, IFK Göteborg. At just 30 years old, Eriksson was relatively unknown when he took charge of Göteborg, but his confidence and tactical acumen soon silenced any doubters. He led the club to the Swedish league title and, more notably, to UEFA Cup glory in 1982. This success on the European stage catapulted Eriksson into the spotlight, and he soon found himself in demand across the continent.

His next significant move came with Portuguese giants Benfica, where Eriksson once again showcased his ability to transform teams. He led Benfica to two league titles and a UEFA Cup final in 1983, although this time, his team fell short, losing to Anderlecht. However, Eriksson’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s top managers was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before Italian clubs came calling.

Eriksson’s first stint in Italy saw him manage Roma and Fiorentina, but it was his return to Benfica in 1989 that further solidified his standing. Guiding Benfica to another league title and a European Cup final in 1990, Eriksson’s tactical nous was again on display, although his side was unable to overcome a formidable AC Milan in the final.

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Triumph in Italy and the Call from England

Eriksson’s return to Italy with Sampdoria in 1992 brought him domestic success, including a Coppa Italia triumph in 1994. Yet, it was his move to Lazio that truly defined his time in Italy. Backed by the financial might of president Sergio Cragnotti, Eriksson led Lazio to the Serie A title in 2000, only the second time the Roman club had won Italy’s most coveted prize. By now, Eriksson was firmly established as one of Europe’s top managers, admired for his calm demeanour and ability to get the best out of his players.

This reputation made him a prime target for the English Football Association, which was seeking a successor to Kevin Keegan. Despite some backlash from sections of the British press due to his nationality, Eriksson’s appointment as England manager in January 2001 was seen as a bold and progressive move. The Daily Mail, in a particularly xenophobic outburst, lamented, “We’ve sold our birth-right down the fjord to a nation of seven million skiers and hammer throwers who spend half their life in the dark.” The Sun, never one to shy away from hyperbole, branded the appointment as “a terrible, pathetic, self-inflicted indictment.”

Highs and Lows with England

Undeterred by the criticism, Eriksson made an immediate impact with the England team. His tenure began with a 3-0 victory over Spain in February 2001, a result that silenced many of his detractors. But it was the unforgettable 5-1 win over Germany in Munich that truly marked the high point of Eriksson’s time in charge. The Guardian’s David Lacey captured the nation’s euphoria, describing the result as “ecstasy in spades” and praising the FA’s decision to appoint Eriksson as a stroke of genius.

Despite these highs, Eriksson’s time with England was also marred by controversy. A 2-2 draw with Greece at Old Trafford secured qualification for the 2002 World Cup, but soon after, revelations of an affair with Swedish television presenter Ulrika Jonsson became tabloid fodder. Eriksson handled the media storm with his characteristic composure, yet his personal life often overshadowed his professional achievements during his tenure.

Under Eriksson, England reached the quarter-finals of three major tournaments: the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and Euro 2004. However, he faced criticism for not capitalising on the talent of England’s so-called “golden generation.” His reign ended on a sour note after a tabloid sting in January 2006, in which Eriksson was recorded by the ‘Fake Sheikh’ expressing his willingness to manage Aston Villa under new ownership. This incident, coupled with reported dalliances with Manchester United and Chelsea, ultimately made his position untenable. It was announced before the 2006 World Cup that Eriksson would leave his post after the tournament, regardless of England’s performance.

Reflecting on his time in England, Eriksson said, “The unfair thing is not the football press. The unfair thing is the rest of the press, which can’t see the difference between your private life and your professional life. When that gets mixed up, one way or another, that’s bad, very bad.”

Career Spanning Continents

After leaving England, Eriksson continued to manage at various clubs and national teams across the globe. His journey took him to Manchester City, Leicester City, and even to Mexico and the Philippines. Despite the challenges and cultural differences, Eriksson remained committed to the sport he loved. In March 2024, he fulfilled a childhood dream by managing at Anfield in a charity match. “It was a beautiful day,” Eriksson remarked, reflecting on the experience.

Eriksson’s life and career were encapsulated in a documentary simply titled Sven, which was released on Amazon Prime before his death. The film offered a poignant insight into the man behind the footballing success, and Eriksson’s closing message resonated with fans and colleagues alike: “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. Bye.”

As football bids farewell to one of its most respected figures, Sven-Göran Eriksson’s legacy will endure. His ability to navigate the highs and lows of football with grace and dignity ensured that he will be remembered not just as a great manager, but as a gentleman of the game.