Sven-Goran Eriksson
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International Management and Success at Club Level
After his triumphs in Sweden, Eriksson joined Portuguese side Benfica in 1982. He later managed high-profile Italian clubs, including Roma, Fiorentina, and Sampdoria, before achieving notable success at Lazio. With Lazio, he secured both domestic and European honors. His return to Benfica in a second stint further cemented his status as one of Europe’s premier football minds.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 5 Feb, 1948
- Age
- 72 yrs
- Citizenship
- Sweden
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- Birth Place
- Torsby
- Education
- Örebro University
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- Swedish footballer and manager
- Net Worth 2021
- 35 million
England National Team Manager
In 2001, Eriksson became the first foreign manager of the England national football team. During his tenure, England qualified for three consecutive major tournaments: the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2004. Under his leadership, England won 40 matches. Despite strong squads, his teams were knocked out in the quarter-final stages of each competition, including a notable loss to Brazil in 2002 and Northern Ireland in 2005 during qualifying stages.
Controversy and Media Attention
In 2006, Eriksson was the subject of a sting operation by News of the World reporter Mazher Mahmood, known as the “Fake Sheikh.” Mahmood posed as a wealthy businessman claiming interest in buying a football club and appointing Eriksson as manager. Comments Eriksson made under the false pretense — including speculative remarks about signing David Beckham — were later publicized. The incident contributed to the Football Association’s decision not to renew his contract following the 2006 World Cup. Eriksson pursued legal action against the reporter, although the case's outcome remains unknown.
Later Career and China League One
Following a one-year break, Eriksson returned to club football in 2007 by signing a contract with Manchester City, reportedly worth £2 million per year. He was named Premier League Manager of the Month during his tenure but parted ways with the club after one season.
In 2010, he managed the Ivory Coast national team during that year’s FIFA World Cup. Later that year, he joined Leicester City but left in 2011. In 2013, Eriksson was appointed technical director of Al Nasr SC in the United Arab Emirates. Soon afterward, he took up managerial positions with Chinese clubs, including Guangzhou R&F. In 2016, he became the manager of Shenzhen FC in China League One, continuing his engagement with Asian football.
