Sven-Goran Eriksson memorial service/ Eriksson tribute/ soccer legend funeral/ Beckham attends Eriksson funeral/ Roy Hodgson pays respects to Eriksson/ Newslooks/ TORSBY/ Sweden/ David Beckham and other soccer dignitaries, including Roy Hodgson, attended the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in his hometown of Torsby, Sweden. Eriksson, England’s first foreign-born national coach, passed away on August 26 at 76 after battling pancreatic cancer. His funeral featured heartfelt eulogies, including one from his daughter Lina, and music by Elton John and Swedish performers.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Funeral: Quick Looks
- David Beckham and Roy Hodgson attended Eriksson’s funeral in Torsby, Sweden.
- Eriksson’s coffin was surrounded by flowers and candles in Fryksande church.
- Funeral music included Elton John’s “Candle In The Wind” and “My Way.”
- Eriksson’s daughter Lina expressed his wish for a celebratory, not sad, funeral.
- A procession and speeches followed the service, with Liverpool’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” played.
David Beckham Attends Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Funeral in Sweden
Deep Look
David Beckham joined a host of soccer dignitaries in attending the funeral of former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The funeral, held on Friday in Eriksson’s small hometown of Torsby, Sweden, brought together family, friends, and football figures from across the world to honor the beloved manager’s life and legacy.
Eriksson, who became England’s first foreign-born national coach and led the team from 2001 to 2006, was fondly remembered by those in attendance, including Beckham, who served as his team captain during that era. The ceremony took place at the 600-seat Fryksande church, where Eriksson’s coffin, draped in white flowers, was surrounded by six tall candles and floral wreaths from various well-wishers, including FIFA and Lazio, the Italian club that Eriksson led to a Serie A title in 2000.
The ceremony began with somber piano and organ music before evolving into a more celebratory tone. Swedish singer Charlotta Birgersson performed Elton John’s iconic “Candle In The Wind,” followed by a duet rendition of “My Way” with Johan Birgersson. The music culminated in a rendition of the Italian classic “Volare,” a nod to Eriksson’s international career in Italy.
Beckham, who arrived in Sweden by private jet a day earlier, greeted Eriksson’s 95-year-old father Sven and other family members before the funeral began. Speaking about Eriksson, Beckham had previously paid a visit in June to say his goodbyes to the man who played a pivotal role in his career. Also in attendance was Roy Hodgson, another former England coach and longtime colleague of Eriksson. Hodgson delivered touching remarks after the service, stating that the dignified nature of the event mirrored how Eriksson had lived his life—with courage, humility, and grace. “It really reminded us all of the way he lived his life, with dignity, with courage, and with the ability to make the childhood dreams come true,” Hodgson shared.
Eriksson’s daughter, Lina, added emotional depth to the service with her heartfelt eulogy. She explained that her father had specifically requested a funeral that celebrated his life, rather than mourning his death. “He didn’t want a sad funeral. He wanted to gather people to celebrate his life, filled with happiness and joy,” she said, capturing the spirit of the event.
After the service, the coffin was carried out of the church by eight pallbearers and was followed by a procession of guests to a nearby museum. A brass band accompanied the procession, playing various tunes, including “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the anthem of Liverpool Football Club, which Eriksson had supported since childhood. The procession concluded with speeches and eulogies delivered on an outdoor stage, honoring the man affectionately known as “Svennis.”
The outpouring of affection for Eriksson extended beyond the ceremony. The local football club, Torsby IF, where Eriksson began his playing career in the 1960s, paid tribute to their hometown hero on their website. They wrote: “You also showed your greatness by always being yourself, the caring Svennis who talked to everyone and took the time, for big and small, asking how things were and how the football was going. We will miss you.”
Eriksson’s passing marked the end of a remarkable life and career that spanned multiple countries and led him to some of football’s highest achievements. Beyond his success as a manager in England, Italy, and Portugal, Eriksson was remembered for his kindness, humility, and dedication to the sport and the people around him. The hundreds who gathered in Torsby, including members of the public and fans watching the service on screens outside the church, were a testament to his far-reaching impact.
As the day of reflection and celebration concluded, those closest to Eriksson carried forward his legacy of passion for football, commitment to excellence, and his ever-present humility.
