David Beckham and Nancy Dell'Olio among guests at Sven-Goran Eriksson's funeral

David Beckham, Nancy Dell'Olio, and Roy Hodgson were among those who gathered to pay their respects at Sven-Goran Eriksson's funeral in Sweden on Friday.

Around 600 people gathered for the morning service at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Eriksson's hometown, before heading to a wake at the nearby museum.

His friend and former rival in the Swedish league, Roy Hodgson, who also managed England, called it "an amazing and beautiful ceremony... so characteristic of the Eriksson family and of Sven himself."

Italian attorney Dell'Olio, who dated the former England manager from 1998 to 2007, remarked that the ceremony revealed much about his personality and how he embraced life.

Eriksson's family was present at the gathering, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, their daughter Lina, their son Johan, and his father Sven.

According to Eriksson's agents, two hundred seats were set aside for family, friends, and past coworkers, while the other 400 seats were open to the public, in line with his last requests.

The service was broadcast on a large screen outside the venue, where several attendees were spotted wearing jerseys from his previous teams.

Eriksson passed away at the age of 76 last month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

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"It’s a day filled with sadness, yet also one where we express our gratitude," said Priest Ingela Alvskog as she opened the service.

She had been friends with Eriksson since childhood and came back to his hometown just for the occasion.

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The coffin of the former manager was adorned with wreaths, including those from FIFA and his past team, Lazio.

The ceremony began with some solemn piano tunes but later transitioned to performances of Elton John's "Candle In The Wind" and Frank Sinatra's "My Way."

As attendees exited the church, they were invited to place red roses on Eriksson's coffin. The coffin was then carried through the town in a lively musical procession reminiscent of New Orleans, in accordance with his wishes.

They headed over to the local homestead museum, where speeches and tributes in honor of 'Svennis' were being held.

"A truly remarkable individual"

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Dell'Olio expressed, "Attending Sven's funeral is challenging – or as he wished, a celebration."

Being in this region he hails from speaks volumes about his character. He embraces life with enthusiasm and flair—just as you might describe it. He may have picked up a bit of that from me.

"He was one of a kind, there's no doubt about that."

Derek Fazackerley, who worked as Eriksson's assistant during their time at Manchester City and Leicester, commented, "There's no question that he is a remarkable individual."

"He was among the greatest of the great. I'm happy to be here to honor his life."

Hans Backe, who previously managed Finland and served as an assistant coach, claimed that he initiated a "revolution" when he began his career in Swedish club football during the 1980s.

He mentioned that it would be impossible for any Swedish coach in the future to have a résumé like that.

He referred to him as a "truly modest individual... consistently offering assistance to me and fellow coaches."

Roy Hodgson, who coached Swedish clubs alongside Eriksson, shared with Sky Sports News: "The first thing I want to express is my happiness to be here. It's wonderful to have the chance to honor and participate in the remarkable arrangements for the funeral."

"It was an amazing and lovely celebration, truly reflective of the Eriksson family and Sven's character, gathering individuals from various corners of the globe."

Reflecting on his career, he mentioned, "As a coach, he took on a style of play that Sweden had begun to embrace and tailored it to fit both his vision and that of the Swedish team."

"He brought Torsby into the spotlight. Without Sven-Goran Eriksson, it’s a location that likely wouldn’t have been on many people's radar."

Upon being named the England manager, he mentioned that he "won everyone's support," which stands as a remarkable acknowledgment.

The initial overseas coach for England

In 2001, a Swedish coach took on the role of the first non-British manager for the England men's football team. He worked with notable players such as Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard.

After the 2006 World Cup, he stepped down from his position with the England team. Subsequently, he took on managerial roles with Mexico and the Ivory Coast, in addition to coaching English teams Manchester City and Leicester City.

He started his career as a physical education teacher in Sweden before moving on to manage top European teams like Benfica and Roma, eventually reaching the highest levels of football in England.

In August, the family announced his passing, stating, "After a prolonged illness, SGE passed away at home in the morning, with family by his side."

The nearest family members include daughter Lina, son Johan along with his wife Amana and granddaughter Sky, father Sven, girlfriend Yanisette and her son Alcides, and brother Lars-Erik with his wife Jumnong.

Dell'Olio originally referred to Eriksson as her "husband" in her tribute, but later changed it to "partner" since they were never married.

She expressed, "When you care deeply for someone, that love always stays with you."

In his homage, Beckham referred to Eriksson as a "genuine gentleman."

"We shared laughter and tears, fully aware that it was time to part ways. Sven, I appreciate you for being the remarkable person you've always been—passionate, kind, composed, and a true gentleman," he posted on Instagram.

I will always appreciate you choosing me as your captain, and I will cherish the memories from this day spent with you and your family. Thank you, Sven, and I’ll remember your final words to me: "It will be alright."

Due to his health problems, Eriksson resigned from his position as sporting director at the Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.

Following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson fulfilled a dream he had cherished for many years. He had the honor of leading out the Liverpool Legends during a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.

He recalled the occasion as "truly wonderful" and a "significant memory" for him, especially with Liverpool securing a 4-2 victory.