Craig Shakespeare, whose coaching helped Leicester win the Premier League title in 2016, died on Thursday at the age of 60, his family announced.
Shakespeare was a key member of Claudio Ranieri’s staff as the Foxes wrote one of the greatest stories in the history of the game to lift the top flight trophy.
After Ranieri was sacked the following season, Shakespeare led Leicester to the quarter-finals of the Champions League as caretaker-boss.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare,’ said his family, in a statement released via the Professional Footballers’ Association.
‘Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family. Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
Former Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare has tragically passed away after a battle with cancer
Shakespeare was Leicester's assistant manager when they won the Premier League in 2016
He also held coaching roles at clubs such as Everton, West Brom, Hull City and Aston Villa
Shakespeare represented the likes of Grimsby, West Brom and Walsall in his playing career
'The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.'
After beginning his coaching career at West Bromwich Albion, Shakespeare worked at Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich, and had three spells at Leicester – the third under Dean Smith in the closing weeks of the 2022-23 season.
He represented Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Telford and Hednesford during a 19-year playing career.
As a coach, he formed an outstanding partnership with Nigel Pearson at Leicester, culminating in the ‘Great Escape’ in 2015, when the Foxes produced a remarkable end to the season to stay up against the odds.
Pearson said: ‘It's difficult to put into words how I and indeed everyone who came across or worked with Craig will feel on hearing such devastating news.
'He is without hesitation one of the most wonderfully talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and outrageously funny people I've had the privilege of calling my friend.
'Safe journey to the next destination my wonderful friend. You are loved and admired by us all, and every time we think of you, a smile, smirk, chuckle or memorable occasion will come to us. We truly are the lucky ones for having known Shakey.’
Several of Shakespeare's former clubs similarly paid tribute to him after his passing.
Everton said: 'Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former coach Craig Shakespeare.
'Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.'
Shakespeare served as Claudio Ranieri's No 2 during Leicester's historic title triumph
A statement released by the LMA on behalf of Shakespeare's family shared the tragic news
Several of Shakespeare's former clubs were quick to pay tribute to him on social media
Norwich expressed their condolences as they said: 'All at Norwich City are saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
'Craig is fondly remembered at Carrow Road and his loss will be felt by the entire footballing community. Our heartfelt wishes go to Craig's friends and family at this sad time.'
West Brom shared: 'We're heartbroken to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
'The thoughts of all of us at West Bromwich Albion, where Craig served as a player and in various other roles, are with his friends, family and loved ones.
'Rest in peace, Shakey.'
Walsall also paid their respects as they added: 'We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player Craig Shakespeare.
'Craig made over 350 appearances for the Saddlers and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.
'Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this difficult time.'
Meanwhile, Grimsby Town shared a tribute that read: 'We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Mariner Craig Shakespeare.
'The classy midfielder played 121 times for Town, scoring 10 goals, between 1993 and 1997.
'Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.'
Shakespeare was most closely associated with Pearson, who he worked with at West Brom, Leicester, Hull and Watford.
Meanwhile, he also joined forces with Dean Smith at Aston Villa and Norwich, while Shakespeare was part of Sam Allardyce's backroom team during his one-game stint as England manager.
Shakespeare was No 2 to Nigel Pearson at Leicester, Hull and Watford (pictured above in 2020)
Shakespeare's passing comes after it was revealed last October that he was battling cancer
Shakespeare was part of Dean Smith's backroom staff at Aston Villa, Norwich and Leicester
Shakespeare played a huge role in Leicester's Premier League triumph during the 2015-16 campaign and remained hugely popular among the Foxes faithful.
After succeeding Ranieri in 2017, he spent eight months in the managerial hot seat at the club, winning 11 of his 26 games in charge before he was replaced by Claude Puel.
Shakespeare also enjoyed a one-game stint as caretaker boss of West Brom in 2006, overseeing a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace.
It was announced last October that Shakespeare had been diagnosed with cancer, with his last role in football being as part of Smith's coaching staff during his spell at Leicester in 2023.