Stade Brest head coach Eric Roy he died at the age of 58, his family announced in a statement.
Roy, who has been battling pancreatic cancer for the past three-and-a-half years, reportedly kept his illness a secret while continuing to work in football.
His family paid tribute to his resilience, saying he lived with extraordinary strength, supported by the love of his family and his abiding passion for the game.
Roy transformed Brest against all odds
After a decade without management, Roy returned to coaching in 2023 when he took charge at Stade Brestois on the 29th.
Despite operating on one of the smallest budgets in French football, he guided Brest to a historic third-placed finish in Ligue 1 during the 2023-24 campaign, securing the club’s maiden UEFA Champions League qualification.
The remarkable achievement earned Roy the 2024 Ligue 1 Manager of the Season award and established him as one of the most respected coaches in French football.
Career of player and coach
Before becoming a manager, Roy had a long 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 at OGC Nice, RC Lens and Watford FC. He also worked as a television pundit while not in the board.
Tributes are pouring in
Roy was respected throughout French football for his character, leadership and achievements with Brest.
His death 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.
