French Football Mourns the Loss of Éric Roy

Stade Brestois 29 head coach Éric Roy has passed away at the age of 58. Roy's family announced on Wednesday the death of "our father and husband", revealing that the former Brest manager had been battling pancreatic cancer for the past three years.

'King Eric' in Brest

Roy had been in charge of Brest for three and a half years, overseeing the greatest achievement in the club's history when they qualified for the UEFA Champions League after finishing third in Ligue 1 in the 2023/24 season. That remarkable campaign earned him the UNFP Manager of the Year award.

Just a year earlier, Roy had guided Brest away from relegation after taking charge of the Breton club in January 2023.

Nicknamed "King Eric" by supporters, Roy resumed his coaching career in Brest more than a decade after his previous managerial spell at OGC Nice (2010-11). Between those roles, he served as sporting director at OGC Nice, RC Lens and Watford.

Before moving into management, Roy enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a midfielder renowned for his tireless work rate and a powerful shooting ability. He began and ended his professional career with his hometown club OGC Nice, while also establishing himself at Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique de Marseille, where he reached the UEFA Cup final. During the latter stages of his career, Roy also played abroad for Sunderland and Rayo Vallecano.

Vincent Labrune's Tribute

LFP President Vincent Labrune paid tribute to Roy following the news of his passing: 

"It is with immense sadness that I learned of Eric Roy's passing. French football has lost one of its most respected, beloved and genuine figures."

"Eric was someone who carried out this profession with total passion and rare integrity. An iconic player, he successfully reinvented himself as a coach admired by his peers, his players and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him."

"His journey with Stade Brestois, culminating in qualification for the Champions League, will remain forever etched in the history of our championship."

"On behalf of the Ligue de Football Professionnel, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones and the entire Stade Brestois community."

Deschamps and Stéphan Pay Tribute

Tributes also arrived from the French Football Federation, with France head coach Didier Deschamps and assistant coach Guy Stéphan expressing their sadness at Roy's passing.

Deschamps said:

"With the tragic passing of Eric Roy, French football loses a highly competent coach and a deeply likeable personality. His achievements with Stade Brestois, particularly qualification for the Champions League, highlighted his outstanding understanding of the game and of players."

"It was with great pleasure that I presented him with the Ligue 1 Manager of the Year award at the UNFP Trophies two years ago.Eric held several roles across different clubs and in the media, and his professionalism was always praised. He fought his illness with a determination that commands respect."

"On a personal level, I had the opportunity to know and appreciate Eric away from the pitch. I will remember a profoundly human man. I extend my heartfelt and sincere condolences to his wife, his children and all those who loved him."

Stéphan added:

"I am deeply saddened by Eric's passing. I had the privilege of coaching him at Olympique Lyonnais for two seasons. He was a great professional and extremely conscientious. We remained in contact and it was always a pleasure to see him again.

"He leaves a huge void at Stade Brestois, where his remarkable success served as a reminder of the quality of French coaches. My thoughts are with his family."

Ligue1.com extends our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.