Sven-Göran Eriksson, the renowned Swedish football manager who made history as England’s first foreign coach and secured 18 major trophies with various clubs across Europe, has passed away at 76.

“After a long illness, Sven-Göran Eriksson died during the morning at home, surrounded by family,” a family statement said Monday.

It added, “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.”

In January, Eriksson disclosed that he had pancreatic cancer and was nearing the end of his life, estimating that he might have only a year left to live in the “best case” scenario.

Eriksson’s career reached a historic milestone in 2001 when he became the first non-British manager to lead the England men’s football team.

He guided the so-called golden generation of players, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard, leading England to the quarter-finals of three consecutive major tournaments: the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2004.

Despite facing criticism during his tenure, Eriksson’s calm leadership left a lasting impact on English football.

Over his outstanding career, Eriksson managed 12 top European clubs, including Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City, and Leicester City, winning 18 trophies.

After stepping down from his role with England following the 2006 World Cup, he also managed national teams such as Mexico and the Ivory Coast.

In February 2023, Eriksson resigned from his position as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad due to health issues.

Following his cancer diagnosis, he fulfilled a lifelong dream in March by leading Liverpool Legends in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield, a moment he described as “absolutely beautiful” and a “huge memory” in his life.