Sven-Göran Eriksson, the legendary football coach and first foreign manager of England’s national team, was laid to rest on Friday in his hometown of Torsby, Sweden.
This small town, where Eriksson grew up, became the setting for a heartfelt farewell to a man who made his mark on European football.
Known for his calm yet determined approach, Eriksson built an impressive coaching career throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He managed top teams in Sweden, Portugal, and Italy, winning major titles along the way.
In 2001, he took on the role of England manager, leading a squad filled with superstars, including David Beckham, who attended the funeral.
Earlier this year, Eriksson shared the devastating news of his terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Afterward, he spent his remaining months reconnecting with the people and places that shaped his incredible career.
One of his final dreams came true in March when he had the opportunity to manage Liverpool in a charity legends match at Anfield.
The funeral in Torsby, a quiet town near the Norwegian border with just under 5,000 residents, saw hundreds gather to pay their respects.
The neo-Gothic church, built in 1898, held 200 reserved seats for family, friends, and former football players, while the public joined in the service either inside the church or by watching on a big screen outside, as Eriksson had requested.
Pallbearers brought Eriksson’s wooden coffin into the church, where it was placed beside a photo of him.
Among the floral wreaths were tributes from FIFA and Lazio, the Italian club Eriksson famously led to a Serie A title in 2000. His longtime partner, Nancy Dell’Olio, was also present, alongside many others from the football world.
Following his death, tributes poured in from football clubs, former players, and even prime ministers.
As a mark of respect, national teams, including England and Sweden, wore black armbands during the September international matches.
Eriksson, known simply as “Svennis” in Sweden, will be remembered for leading England to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002 and 2006, as well as the 2004 European Championship.
He managed England’s “golden generation,” with stars like Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, and Steven Gerrard.
Eriksson’s journey to international acclaim began in 1982 when he guided Swedish club IFK Gothenburg to the UEFA Cup. He went on to secure silverware with Portugal’s Benfica and Italian clubs including Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio, and Sampdoria.
Although he couldn’t bring a trophy home for England, Eriksson’s influence was undeniable.
After stepping down as England’s manager in 2006, he continued to coach, leading clubs like Manchester City and Leicester City, as well as national teams from Mexico, the Ivory Coast, and even clubs in China and the Philippines.
Sven-Göran Eriksson leaves behind a legacy of football excellence and a life filled with passion for the beautiful game.
