Sven-Göran Eriksson, Swedish footballer and manager
Sven-Göran Eriksson, born on 5 February 1948, is a highly distinguished Swedish football manager and former professional player. While his playing career as a right-back was relatively unassuming, it laid the foundational understanding of the game that would propel him to extraordinary success in football management across multiple continents.
A Storied Club Management Career: Dominance Across Three Countries
Eriksson's coaching journey truly began in 1977, marking the start of a remarkable 24-year period in club management that saw him win an impressive 18 major trophies across Sweden, Portugal, and Italy. His strategic acumen and tactical prowess enabled him to achieve a unique feat in European football history:
- He became the first manager ever to secure domestic league and cup doubles in three different countries, a testament to his adaptability and consistent success.
Groundbreaking Success in Sweden, Portugal, and Italy
His tenure at various clubs is marked by significant silverware:
- Sweden (IFK Göteborg): Eriksson first rose to prominence with IFK Göteborg, guiding them to an unexpected victory in the 1982 UEFA Cup. This historic triumph, achieved by defeating Hamburger SV in the final, remains one of Swedish football's most significant European successes. He also led the club to an Allsvenskan title and a Svenska Cupen (Swedish Cup) win in the same year, completing his first domestic double.
- Portugal (Benfica): Moving to Portugal, Eriksson continued his winning ways with Benfica. He secured two Primeira Liga titles (1982–83, 1986–87) and a Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup) in 1982–83, culminating in his second league and cup double. Under his leadership, Benfica also reached the semi-finals of the prestigious European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) twice, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest continental level.
- Italy (Sampdoria & Lazio): Eriksson's career in Italy was particularly illustrious. With Sampdoria, he won the Coppa Italia in the 1993–94 season. His most prolific period came at Lazio, where he presided over one of the club's most successful eras. Here, he added an array of trophies to his collection, including:
- Two Coppa Italia titles (1997–98, 1999–2000)
- Two Supercoppa Italiana titles (1998, 2000)
- The UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1998–99 (the final edition of the competition before its abolition), securing a 2-1 victory over Real Mallorca.
- The UEFA Super Cup in 1999, where Lazio defeated Manchester United.
- Most notably, he led Lazio to the Serie A title in the 1999–2000 season, combining it with the Coppa Italia to achieve his third and final league and cup double, cementing his unique place in managerial history.
Venturing into International Management and Global Coaching
Following his extensive club success, Eriksson transitioned to the demanding world of international football, managing several national teams and expanding his coaching footprint across the globe.
- England National Team: From 2001 to 2006, Eriksson served as the manager of the England national team, becoming the first foreign manager to hold the position. During his tenure, he guided England to the quarter-finals of two FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006) and one UEFA European Championship (Euro 2004), demonstrating consistent qualification for major tournaments.
- Other National Teams: His international coaching career also included stints with the national teams of Mexico (2008–2009), the Ivory Coast (2010), and the Philippines (2018–2019). His role with the Ivory Coast notably involved leading them at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
- Later Club Roles in England: In addition to national teams, Eriksson also returned to club management in England with Manchester City (2007–2008) and Leicester City (2010–2011).
Overall, Sven-Göran Eriksson's extensive career has seen him coach in ten different countries, showcasing an unparalleled global reach and adaptability: Sweden, Portugal, Italy, England, Mexico, Ivory Coast, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, China, and the Philippines. This diverse experience underscores his status as one of football's most travelled and versatile managers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sven-Göran Eriksson
- Which major trophies did Sven-Göran Eriksson win in club management?
- Eriksson won a remarkable 18 major trophies, including league titles in Sweden (Allsvenskan), Portugal (Primeira Liga), and Italy (Serie A), as well as domestic cups in all three countries. He also achieved significant European success, winning the UEFA Cup with IFK Göteborg and both the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup with Lazio.
- What unique managerial record does Sven-Göran Eriksson hold?
- Sven-Göran Eriksson is uniquely recognized as the first manager in football history to win domestic league and cup doubles in three different countries: Sweden (with IFK Göteborg in 1982), Portugal (with Benfica in 1982–83), and Italy (with Lazio in 1999–2000).
- Did Sven-Göran Eriksson manage the England national team?
- Yes, Sven-Göran Eriksson managed the England national team from 2001 to 2006, making him the first foreign manager to hold this prestigious role. He successfully guided England to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, as well as Euro 2004.
- How many countries has Sven-Göran Eriksson coached in?
- Sven-Göran Eriksson has coached in ten different countries throughout his illustrious career: Sweden, Portugal, Italy, England, Mexico, Ivory Coast, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, China, and the Philippines.