French Football Mourning: Brest Coach Eric Roy Dies at 58
French football is in mourning following the death of Eric Roy, the coach of Brest, who passed away on June 17 at the age of 58 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Roy had been at the helm of the Ligue 1 team since January 2023 and remained in the role until his final days.
Eric Roy, the Coach of Brest, Passes Away at 58
As a player, Eric Roy was a midfielder known for his time at Olympique Marseille from 1996 to 1999, where he competed in the UEFA Cup final.
After retiring, he began his coaching career at Nice, his beloved club, where he held various positions before becoming the head coach from 2010 to 2011.
Following a stint as Sporting Director at Lens, Roy returned to coaching in January 2023 by taking over the reins at Brest.
Under his guidance, the Breton club achieved its most significant milestone in history, finishing third in Ligue 1 in the 2023-2024 season and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.
This opportunity allowed Brest to face top-tier opponents like Real Madrid and Barcelona in a memorable European campaign.
“Throughout this time, he continued to live with a strength that still impresses us, supported by the love of his family, his passion for football, and his dedication to his work,” his wife and children wrote in a heartfelt Instagram message.
A prominent figure in French football, Eric Roy has left us. Ligue 1 expresses its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. – Ligue 1, via X
It is with infinite sadness that we learned of Eric Roy’s passing, the coach of Brest. Beyond his achievements, we mourn the loss of a respected football man known for his commitment, character, and integrity. – National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP)
