Stade Brest manager Eric Roy dies at 58 after cancer battle

Stade Brest head coach Eric Roy has died at the age of 58, his family announced in a statement.

Roy, who had been battling pancreatic cancer for the past three-and-a-half years, reportedly kept his illness private while continuing his work in football.

His family paid tribute to his resilience, saying he lived with remarkable strength, supported by the love of his family and his enduring passion for the game.

Roy transformed Brest against the odds

After a decade away from management, Roy returned to coaching in 2023 when he took charge of Stade Brestois 29.

Despite operating with one of the smallest budgets in French football, he guided Brest to a historic third-place finish in Ligue 1 during the 2023-24 campaign, securing the club’s first-ever qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

The remarkable achievement earned Roy the Ligue 1 Manager of the Season award in 2024 and established him as one of the most respected coaches in French football.

Career as player and manager

Before moving into management, Roy enjoyed a lengthy playing career as a defensive midfielder. He represented clubs including Olympique de Marseille, Olympique Lyonnais and Sunderland AFC during the 1990s.

His coaching career included spells with OGC Nice, RC Lens and Watford FC. He also worked as a television pundit during his time away from management.

Tributes pour in

Roy was widely admired across French football for his character, leadership and achievements with Brest.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football community, with many remembering him as the architect of one of the most remarkable success stories in recent Ligue 1 history.