Eriksson revealed in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and that he likely had “at best” about a year to live. He had stood down from his final job, as sporting director at Karlstad in his native Sweden, the previous February because of what he described at the time as “health issues which are under investigation”.
Eriksson’s death was confirmed by Bo Gustavsson, the former Lazio coach’s agent in Sweden, via his UK PR agent, Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports. Gustavsson said Eriksson had died on Monday morning at home surrounded by family.
Eriksson’s managerial career spanned more than four decades, during which he won 18 trophies. It began in Sweden with Degerfors IF before he took charge of IFK Göteborg.Eriksson was 30 and barely known to the players of one of the country’s leading clubs, but he was unfazed and proved a huge success, leading Göteborg to the Swedish title and the Uefa Cup in 1982.
That led to Eriksson being appointed manager of Benfica and, again, he proved a success, winning two league titles and reaching another Uefa Cup final in 1983. This time he was on the wrong side of the result after a 2-1 aggregate defeat by Anderlecht.
Eriksson’s star was on the rise, however. He moved on to Roma and then Fiorentina before returning to Benfica in 1989, leading the Portuguese club to another league title and, in 1990, a European Cup final, where they lost to Milan. That led to a return to Italy with Sampdoria, whom he led to a Coppa Italia triumph in 1994, before a move to Lazio where Eriksson was backed in the transfer market by the club’s wealthy president Sergio Cragnotti and repaid that faith with a Serie A title in 2000. It was only the second time the Rome club had won Italy’s biggest prize.
By that stage Eriksson was one of the most highly regarded managers in Europe and, as such, it was not a great surprise that the Football Association targeted him to be Kevin Keegan’s successor as England manager. His appointment in January 2001 still proved controversial within a section of the media, however, given his nationality. “We’ve sold our birth-right down the fjord to a nation of seven million skiers and hammer throwers who spend half their life in the dark,” wrote the Daily Mail. The Sun described Eriksson’s appointment as a “terrible, pathetic, self-inflicted indictment”.
Eriksson dealt with the rage in typically cool, calm fashion and got off to a perfect start, leading England to a 3-0 victory over Spain at Villa Park in February 2001. Seven months later, came the high point of his England career – a 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich. Writing in the Guardian, David Lacey described the result as “ecstasy in spades”, and for Eriksson it well and truly represented lift-off. As Lacey also wrote that night: “The appointment has taken on the touch of genius.”
England would require another memorable result – a 2-2 draw with Greece at Old Trafford in October 2001 – to secure qualification for the following summer’s World Cup and it was at this point that the other aspect of Eriksson’s time in charge – controversy – came to the fore. Not long before the tournament in Japan and South Korea, it was revealed Eriksson had had an affair with television presenter, and fellow Swede, Ulrika Johnson.
Eriksson was accused of not getting the most out of England’s so-called golden generation but he led the county to three major tournaments and, in each one, reached the quarter-finals. He departed from his post at the end of the 2006 World Cup having been caught up in a tabloid sting in the January of that year that saw him tell the ‘Fake Sheikh’ that he would be willing to manage Aston Villa were they to be the subject of a Middle Eastern takeover. That followed reported dalliances with Manchester United and Chelsea and, ultimately, his position had become untenable: it was announced prior to the World Cup that Eriksson would be leaving, regardless of how England performed in Germany.
“The unfair thing is not the football press,” Eriksson later said about the tumultuous nature of his five years in charge of England. “The unfair thing is the rest of the press, which can’t see the difference between your private life and your professional life. When that gets mixed up, one way or another, that’s bad, very bad.”
Eriksson went on to manage a host of clubs and countries, including Manchester City, Leicester, Mexico and, finally in 2019, the Philippines. In March 2024 he also realised a childhood dream by managing Liverpool at Anfield in a charity game. “It was a beautiful day,” Eriksson said afterwards.
A documentary about Eriksson’s life, simply entitled ‘Sven’, was shown on Amazon Prime before his death and contained a message from the man himself that poignantly summed up his good humour, grace and dignity. “Don’t be sorry, smile,” Eriksson said. “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. Bye.”
BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football—-The Portugal captain brings an extraordinary international career to an end after announcing he will hand over the iconic No. 7 shirt following the November international break, leaving behind 234 appearances and a record 146 goals.
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms, revealing that he will hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international break.
Ronaldo’s announcement marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history, having represented his country since making his senior debut in August 2003.
In his farewell message, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the privilege of representing Portugal for more than two decades.
“The day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, acknowledging the responsibility and pride that came with wearing the famous jersey for 23 years.
Ronaldo Retires as International Football’s Greatest Goalscorer
Ronaldo leaves international football holding the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international history.
The Al-Nassr forward made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring an extraordinary 146 goals during his 23-year international journey.
His remarkable numbers place him at the summit of international football, having consistently delivered goals and memorable performances across multiple generations of the Portuguese national team.
He also represented Portugal at six FIFA World Cups and became the first player to score at five different editions of the competition.
Euro 2016 Triumph Remains His Greatest International Achievement
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title.
Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, Ronaldo remained involved from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1–0 victory after extra time through Éder’s memorable goal.
He subsequently guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory in 2019 and again in 2025, adding two more major international honours to his collection.
Those achievements cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history.
A Difficult Final Chapter for the Portugal Captain
Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a turbulent period surrounding his relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.
The forward’s final chapter with the national team had attracted considerable attention following reports of disagreements during the previous international window.
However, his decision to retire brings an end to a career that has been defined by extraordinary achievements, individual records and an enduring commitment to representing his country.
Ronaldo’s Club Career Continues at Al-Nassr
Although his international journey is coming to an end, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional football.
The Portuguese superstar remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continues to pursue further goals and trophies at club level.
His international retirement will allow Portugal to begin preparing for life without their long-serving captain, while the responsibility of wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt will eventually pass to another generation.
End of an Extraordinary Era
For more than two decades, Ronaldo carried the hopes of an entire nation, delivering unforgettable goals, historic victories and moments that helped transform Portugal into a major force in international football.
From his emotional debut in 2003 to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016, his journey with the national team has been filled with remarkable milestones.
Now, at 41, one of football’s greatest careers at international level is reaching its conclusion.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy:
International appearances: 234
International goals: 146
Major trophies: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019 and 2025
Wednesday night delivered contrasting fortunes for England’s representatives in the UEFA Champions League, as Liverpool suffered a disappointing 3–2 defeat against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague, and Manchester City edged RB Leipzig 3–2 in a five-goal thriller.
The three encounters produced late drama, impressive individual performances and crucial points in the Champions League league phase, with Liverpool becoming the only one of the three English sides to leave the night empty-handed.
Liverpool Throw Away Two Leads in Istanbul
Liverpool suffered their first defeat of this season’s Champions League campaign after surrendering two leads in a dramatic 3–2 loss to Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
The Reds made a promising start and took the lead in the 25th minute through teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni, who found the net with a deflected effort to register his first senior goal for the club.
However, Fenerbahçe responded four minutes later when Mason Greenwood’s free-kick took a significant deflection before beating Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to restore parity.
Liverpool continued to search for another breakthrough and eventually regained the advantage in the 69th minute through substitute Alexander Isak, who marked his introduction with a close-range finish after connecting with Cody Gakpo’s delivery.
But the visitors’ defensive problems returned almost immediately.
Archie Brown capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding to equalise for the Turkish side in the 73rd minute before Vedat Muriqi completed the turnaround six minutes later, heading home to give Fenerbahçe a 3–2 lead.
Liverpool were unable to find another response, suffering a damaging defeat that ended their perfect start to the European campaign.
Arsenal Survive Late Scare to Beat Slavia Prague
Arsenal maintained their unbeaten Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague in Czechia, although the Gunners were forced to withstand a nervy finish.
Mikel Arteta made six changes to his starting line-up following the weekend victory over Liverpool, but his side quickly demonstrated their attacking quality.
Noni Madueke opened the scoring in the ninth minute after receiving a clever pass from Viktor Gyökeres before calmly finishing past the Slavia goalkeeper.
The Swedish striker then turned goalscorer in the 38th minute, combining with Mikel Merino before producing a composed finish to double Arsenal’s advantage.
Arsenal dominated much of the first half but struggled to maintain the same control after the interval as Slavia Prague increased their attacking pressure.
David Raya produced important saves, while Gabriel Magalhães made crucial goal-line clearances to preserve the visitors’ advantage.
Slavia eventually pulled one back through Wiktor Nowak in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finish.
However, Arsenal held on through stoppage time to secure their third victory of the Champions League campaign and collect another valuable three points.
Haaland Rescues Manchester City in Leipzig Thriller
Manchester City produced a dramatic comeback performance to defeat RB Leipzig 3–2 at the Red Bull Arena, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.
City took the lead in the 37th minute when Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba inadvertently turned Nico O’Reilly’s cutback into his own net.
However, Leipzig responded immediately after the restart, with Ridle Baku equalising in the 49th minute to bring the home supporters back into the contest.
Manchester City restored their advantage in the 58th minute through Enzo Fernández, who finished after receiving a pass from Iliman Ndiaye.
The hosts refused to surrender, and Antonio Nusa levelled the score again in the 61st minute, making it 2–2 and setting up an exciting final half-hour.
With the contest finely balanced, Haaland stepped forward to deliver the decisive moment.
The Norwegian striker arrived at the far post in the 78th minute to convert Elliot Anderson’s excellent cross, giving City a 3–2 advantage.
Leipzig pushed for another equaliser, but Pep Guardiola’s side held firm to secure an important away victory and continue their positive Champions League campaign.
Contrasting Nights for England’s Champions League Representatives
The results provided a mixed European night for English football.
While Arsenal and Manchester City collected maximum points from difficult away fixtures, Liverpool were left frustrated after allowing Fenerbahçe to come from behind twice before scoring the winning goal.
Arsenal’s victory strengthened their position in the league-phase standings, while City’s dramatic success demonstrated their attacking resilience.
For Liverpool, however, the defeat in Istanbul represents a setback, with Andoni Iraola’s men needing to address their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their remaining European fixtures.
