Thousands Gather to Honor Former England Manager Sven-Göran Eriksson

• Thousands Gather to Honor Former England Manager Sven-Göran Eriksson at his funeral on September 13, 2024, in Torsby, Sweden.
• Notable attendees included David Beckham, Roy Hodgson, Nancy Dell’Olio, and members of Sweden’s royal family.
• The ceremony featured musical performances, tributes from family and friends, and live streaming for those unable to attend.
• Eriksson’s legacy as the first foreign manager of England includes leading the team to three quarter-finals and successful stints in Italy and other countries.

Mourners gathered in Torsby, Sweden, to pay their final respects to former England football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who passed away on August 26 at the age of 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The funeral, held on September 13, was marked by an outpouring of love and remembrance from family, friends, and notable figures in the football community, including David Beckham and Roy Hodgson.

The ceremony took place at Fryksande Church, where Eriksson’s coffin arrived early in the morning, adorned with white flowers and surrounded by candles. With a capacity of 600, the church was filled with attendees, while many more gathered outside to watch the service on a large screen.

The officiating priest, Ingela Älvskog, who was a close friend of Eriksson, led the service, which included both Swedish and English tributes. She emphasized the joy Eriksson brought to those around him, despite the sorrow of his passing.

The service featured musical performances, including Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” which reflected Eriksson’s appreciation for life and music. His son, Johan, and daughter, Lina, shared personal anecdotes, highlighting their father’s love for family and his desire for a joyful celebration of life at his funeral. Lina poignantly recalled Eriksson’s final words, urging everyone to “smile, take care of yourself and live your life, because life is beautiful.”

Sven-Goran Eriksson funeral: David Beckham among 600 guests at ceremony

“Do not give up, is my message for life. And please don’t forget this: life is always, always to be celebrated” pic.twitter.com/gQO0uuTvDp

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 13, 2024

Among the mourners were numerous football dignitaries, including David Beckham, who embraced Eriksson’s family members upon arrival. Beckham, who captained the England team during Eriksson’s tenure, expressed his gratitude for the impact Eriksson had on his career. Other notable attendees included Roy Hodgson, who succeeded Eriksson as England manager, and members of Sweden’s royal family.

Sven-Göran Eriksson’s long-time partner, Nancy Dell’Olio, also attended, reflecting on their years together. The funeral was a significant event in Torsby, a town of around 4,000 residents, and was noted as one of the largest funerals in the area’s history. The local soccer club, Torsby IF, paid tribute to Eriksson, acknowledging his contributions to the sport and his kind nature.

Sven-Göran Eriksson made history as the first foreign manager of the England national football team, leading them to the quarter-finals in three major tournaments between 2001 and 2006. His managerial career spanned several countries and clubs, including Lazio, where he won the Serie A title, and he later managed teams in Mexico and the Ivory Coast. Eriksson’s legacy is marked by his tactical acumen, his ability to connect with players, and his passion for the game.

In his final months, Eriksson fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool Legends in a charity match, a moment he described as “absolutely beautiful.” This desire to return to his roots in Torsby and his connection to the sport were evident throughout the funeral proceedings, which celebrated not only his achievements but also the warmth and kindness he shared with others.

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