Eriksson revealed a terminal diagnosis earlier this year, following which he was inundated with well-wishes. That respect for his career has now become sorrow at his death.
The Swedish flag was lowered to half mast at Fifa’s headquarters on Monday and the governing body’s president Gianni Infantino said: “He was both a great innovator and a true ambassador of our beautiful game. As a football person, he always led with enthusiasm and with a smile.”
England will take on Finland in the Uefa Nations League next month in interim coach Lee Carsley’s first game in charge at the national stadium, when Eriksson will be honoured.
‘He will be much missed’
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association, said: “Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game. He will be much missed.”
Eriksson’s spells at IFK Goteborg, Benfica and Lazio elevated his status for a time in the late 1990s to one of the most sought-after coaches of his generation, but it was for his colourful reign in charge of the Three Lions that he will be most remembered in the UK.
Despite some resistance to the idea of a foreign coach of England, Eriksson was headhunted by the then Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier in 2001, and his impact was immediate in leading the country to the 2002 World Cup.
A 5-1 victory away in Germany instantly silenced those doubting the wisdom of his appointment and proved the highlight of his five-year reign. That night in Munich has now entered English football folklore even if – like Eriksson’s spell in charge – it promised more than it delivered.
Eriksson could not take England the extra step to win a major tournament, and there is a divided opinion on his reign and his legacy, but those who worked alongside him recognised and appreciated that he approached the job as he did life – determined to savour every moment.
One of Eriksson’s last engagements was to fulfil a life-long dream of managing Liverpool, the side he supported and had long wished to coach.
The Merseyside club granted that wish in a charity match last March, and paid its own tribute.
“Rest in peace, Sven-Goran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time,” they posted on X.
As England’s first overseas coach, Eriksson led the team during a period when the nation’s football personalities dominated the front as well as back pages, the wives and girlfriends – or WAGs as they became known – synonymous with the era.
Eriksson was at the forefront of that, finding himself the subject of constant tabloid interest after dating TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson having cheated on his Italian partner Nancy Dell’Olio. He also caused a stir within the FA when it emerged he had an affair with one of the secretaries, Faria Alam, in 2004.
At the time, those stories made Eriksson an occasionally controversial figure. In time, such tales seemed to add to his charm, although after leaving England his reputation as a coach suffered and he never reached the same heights as his glory days.
He returned to club football to manage Manchester City, and also had spells at Leicester City and Notts County, before returning to international football in a variety of roles.
A statement from his family read: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, Sven died during the morning at home surrounded by family. The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.
“The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted. Condolences and greetings can be left on the website http://www.svengoraneriksson.com.”
Eriksson revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had “best case a year” to live.
A documentary of his life was released on Amazon last week in which Eriksson delivered a poignant farewell message.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do,” he 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.”
