Stade Brestois head coach Eric Roy has died at age 58 after battling pancreatic cancer. His family confirmed the news Wednesday, revealing Roy had kept his diagnosis private for three and a half years.
Roy orchestrated one of modern European football’s most improbable success stories. Appointed in January 2023 to save a team expected to face relegation, he instead guided Stade Brestois to a historic third-place finish in Ligue 1 during the 2023-24 season. This achievement secured the club's first-ever European competition berth and earned Roy the league’s Manager of the Season award.
His family stated that his tenure at Brest provided him with energy and joy through difficult moments. They emphasized the profound bond he built with his players, noting he was deeply proud to serve as their coach.
Before his managerial triumphs, Roy enjoyed an extensive playing career in the 1990s. A defensive midfielder, he made over 300 appearances for French clubs including Nice, Lyon, and Marseille, alongside a Premier League stint with Sunderland. He later held sporting director roles at Nice, Lens, and Watford before returning to management for his final, celebrated chapter.