On Monday, the beautiful game lost yet another legend as Sven-Goran Eriksson left the world aged 76. The former Swede tactician had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer back in January 2023 but couldn’t outlive it. His saddening demise forced many greats of the soccer world including the likes of David Beckham and John Terry to pay their tribute to the iconic manager.

Tributes have been pouring since then as the saddening news spreads. Eriksson initially revealed he had “at best a year” to live as he got informed about his terrible illness after he collapsed while jogging, After keeping the news a secret from his family for, the former Benfica boss finally broke the silence to his close ones before sharing publicly.

The news of his demise was shared by his family as he died on Monday morning in Sweden surrounded by his close ones. Interestingly, shortly before he died, Amazon Prime Video had even released a documentary where he shared a goodbye message to his ardent fans. “I had a good life,” he said. “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.”

While accepting the stark reality, Sven-Goran admitted that not everyone will remember him as a ‘good man.’ Yet, he urged to be remembered as ‘a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.’ Concluding the message, which had even brought tears to the camera crew, Eriksson said, “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.”

Sven-Goran Eriksson enjoyed a stellar career spanning across eight different countries. He made history as the first non-British coach of England from 2001 to 2006, leading them to two World Cups and one European quarter-final. Aside from managing top clubs like AS Roma, Sampdoria, Benfica, Lazio, Manchester City, and Leicester City, national teams like Mexico and the Philippines are also on his CV.

Overall, he won 18 major trophies and remained influential in soccer through various advisory roles for different clubs. Now it’s time, for the soccer world to remember his achievement and pay tribute to the iconic tactician.

David Beckham and England greats pay heartwarming tributes to Sven-Goran Eriksson

Beckham took the opportunity to share a recent small clip of walking alongside his former England manager on Instagram. Additionally, the Manchester United icon wrote a caption saying, “We laughed, we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye… Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman…”

Becks, who himself had flown to Sweden to see the 76-year-old as his condition worsened, further expressed his gratitude to the former Leicester City boss for giving him the Three Lions’ captain armband in 2001. Interestingly, Eriksson’s last words to DB7 that the Inter Miami owner shared were, “It will be ok.”

Likewise, John Terry also took to the Meta-based platform to share his condolences to the man who gave him his England debut and also made the defender’s ‘boyhood dreams come true.’ Sharing a picture of the ex-Lazio boss to express his sadness over the news, Terry wrote, “Sven was a great manager with an incredible calmness about him, a real gentlemen who will very sadly be missed. My condolences go out to his family at this very difficult time. RIP Sven 💔”

Another England great, Steven Gerrard too was left struck by the news. Shortly before his passing, Eriksson got a chance to manage his boyhood club and his dad’s all-time favorite Liverpool at Anfield during a charity match against Ajax. Gerrard was among the players who played the LFC foundation match against the Dutch side as the Reds stitched a comeback to win 4-2.

Stevie shared the exact moment alongside Sven-Goran, standing on the pitch. Additionally, the now-turned-soccer manager, currently driving Al-Ettifaq also expressed his sadness on the news. Calling Eriksson a “Very warm and caring man,” he shared his condolences with the former Manchester City manager’s family and friends.

Meanwhile, many netizens also expressed their remorse over Eriksson’s demise.

Even though the Swede managed Manchester City for just 45 games, this ardent City fan remains indebted to Eriksson for his contribution. The Sky Blues hadn’t endured a decent domestic success prior to 2007 but the arrival of the former Three Lions manager helped City’s cause.

Despite having coached a considerable number of teams, Sven-Goran is one of those names in the soccer world that were always respected and adored by many. Of course, his demise was something that everyone was aware of but we are certain that other than Eriksson, no one was ready to accept he is forever leaving the earth.

In memory of Eriksson, England have decided to pay tribute to their former boss at their next home match at Wembley Stadium. A minute applause will be held with additional pre-match homage kept for the iconic tactician. This may be witnessed during the upcoming UEFA Nations League clash against Finland on September 10.

Soccer has indeed lost a true gem that had many more years to live but couldn’t. History will never witness another Sven-Goran Eriksson again. Rest in peace.