David Beckham and Nancy Dell’Olio were among the many figures who gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who passed away aged 76 due to pancreatic cancer. The funeral took place in Eriksson’s hometown of Torsby, Sweden, at Fryksande Church, where 600 mourners gathered to honour the legendary coach.
Beckham, who captained the England team under Eriksson’s management during three major international tournaments, was seen embracing Eriksson’s former partner, Nancy Dell’Olio, as they arrived to bid farewell. Eriksson’s children, Johan and Lina, as well as his 95-year-old father, Sven Eriksson Sr., were present, alongside other close family and friends.
The congregation included notable football figures such as former Liverpool and Sweden player Glenn Hysén, former Sweden head coach Tommy Söderberg, and ex-Swedish footballer Thomas Nordahl. Eriksson’s partner Yaniseth Alcides also attended the service, which saw several tributes to the ex-England manager.
Childhood friend Bengt Berg, who co-authored Eriksson’s forthcoming book A Beautiful Game, was also in attendance. Representatives from the Swedish football federation, including general secretary Andrea Möllerberg and head of football Kim Källström, joined the mourners to pay tribute to one of Sweden’s most iconic football figures.
Eriksson’s coffin arrived at Fryksande Church early in the morning, accompanied by the toll of a single bell as it was carried inside. Roads around the church were cordoned off by police, with crowds gathered outside from early in the day to witness the arrivals. Members of Sweden’s royal family were expected to attend, further underscoring the national significance of the occasion.