Eric Roy passes away at 58
Brest manager Eric Roy has died at the age of 58, his family have confirmed in a statement, reports BritPanorama.
Roy had been in charge of the Ligue 1 side since 2023, battling pancreatic cancer for the last three years. His family announced that he passed away on Wednesday.
In a message on Instagram, his children and wife wrote: “Throughout all this time, he continued to live with a strength that still impresses us, sustained by the love of his family, by football, by his work and by this passion that never left him.”
They also noted, “What he accomplished in recent years will remain exceptional for us. To go through this ordeal while supporting such a powerful club, team, and history says a lot about the man he was. He loved football absolutely. His time at Stade Brestois was one of the best periods of his life. It gave him energy, joy, and a reason to keep going, even in the most difficult times.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the 58-year-old. Ligue 1 wrote in a statement: “Eric Roy, an iconic figure in French football, has passed away. Ligue 1 extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.” French side Lyon expressed sadness upon learning of his passing, recalling his elegance and popularity as a midfielder for OL from 1993 to 1996.
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre remarked: “My deepest condolences. An adversary who became an ally, a model of professionalism wherever he faced challenges. We already miss you! Rest in peace, dear Eric.”
Roy guided Brest to a third-place finish in 2024, securing Champions League football with the club for the very first time. Despite their stadium not meeting UEFA’s requirements, the team played home games at Guingamp’s Stade de Roudourou. They won their first European game against Austrian side Sturm Graz, before securing a 4-0 victory against Red Bull Salzburg. Brest’s remarkable run continued as they held German champions Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-1 draw and defeated Sparta Prague 2-1, culminating in a Champions League play-off appearance, where they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.
The football world remembers Roy not just for his achievements but for the passion and resilience he brought to the game. His legacy as a cherished figure in football will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
