LONDON — Sven-Göran Eriksson, the first overseas manager of England’s national football team and a celebrated figure in European club football, has passed away at the age of 76.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, citing The Guardian, Eriksson died surrounded by his family at his home on Monday morning. He had publicly revealed in January 2024 that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, estimating he had, at best, a year to live. His death was confirmed by his agent in Sweden, Bo Gustavsson, through UK PR agent Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports.

Eriksson’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, starting in Sweden with Degerfors IF before leading IFK Göteborg to a UEFA Cup victory in 1982. His success at Göteborg paved the way for his tenure at Benfica, where he won two league titles and reached another UEFA Cup final. His career also included significant spells at Roma, Fiorentina, and a return to Benfica. Perhaps most notably, he led Lazio to a Serie A title in 2000, a rare triumph for the Roman club.

In January 2001, Eriksson was appointed England manager, a role that brought both acclaim and scrutiny due to his nationality. Despite criticism, he guided England to three consecutive quarter-final appearances in major international tournaments. His later career saw him managing teams and national squads across the globe, including Manchester City, Mexico, and the Philippines. In March 2024, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by managing Liverpool in a charity match at Anfield, which he described as a “beautiful day.”