Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away: David Beckham and Wayne Rooney are at the forefront of honoring the former England manager.

Tributes have poured in from the football world following the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson, England’s first foreign manager, at the age of 76. The news comes after Eriksson revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, with the diagnosis coming in 2023.

Former players such as David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Michael Owen, as well as the clubs Eriksson managed throughout his illustrious career, have led the tributes. Eriksson guided England to three major quarter-finals during his five-year tenure as manager, at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and Euro 2004.

The national team released a statement expressing their sadness at the passing of their former manager, saying, “We are deeply saddened that Sven-Goran Eriksson, who managed the Three Lions from 2001 to 2006, has passed away aged 76. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be greatly missed.”

FA CEO Mark Bullingham also expressed his gratitude for Eriksson’s contributions and announced that the country will pay tribute to him during the game against Finland on September 10. Bullingham said, “This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance. Sven will be rightly recognized and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.”

Beckham, who was appointed England captain by Eriksson, expressed his gratitude to the Swede in an Instagram post. He wrote, “We laughed, we cried and we knew we were saying goodbye. Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm, and a true gentleman. I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family.. Thank you Sven and in your last words to me, ‘It will be ok’.”

Rooney, who played under Eriksson during his time as England manager, called him a “special man” on social media. Michael Owen, who scored a hat-trick in the famous 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich, described Eriksson as “one of the very best”.

Numerous clubs, including Liverpool, also paid tribute to Eriksson. Liverpool, the club Eriksson supported throughout his life, gave him the opportunity to manage the Liverpool Legends team in a charity game earlier this year. The Premier League, UEFA, and FIFA also released statements honoring Eriksson’s contributions to the game.

The Prince of Wales, FA president, expressed his condolences and praised Eriksson’s charisma and passion for the game. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also posted a tribute, highlighting Eriksson’s tremendous contribution to English football.

Eriksson managed 12 clubs and won 18 trophies throughout his career. Several of his former teams, including Gothenburg, Leicester City, Manchester City, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United, shared their condolences and paid tribute to his achievements.

Former players such as Trevor Sinclair, Kasper Schmeichel, Peter Crouch, and Rio Ferdinand also took to social media to express their sadness and gratitude towards Eriksson. Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, who played under Eriksson at Lazio, described him as a source of inspiration and praised his calmness, education, and respect for everyone.