Eric Roy, the former French international and head coach of Stade Brestois 29, has passed away at the age of 58 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. His family confirmed the cause of death on Wednesday, June 17, revealing that he had been privately fighting the disease for three and a half years while continuing his coaching duties.
Family Statement
In a heartfelt statement, Roy's family expressed pride in his resilience and achievements. "It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our father and husband. For the past three and a half years, Dad battled pancreatic cancer. Throughout this time, he continued to live with a strength that still amazes us, sustained by the love of his family, by football, by his work, and by the passion that never left him. What he accomplished in recent years will remain exceptional for us. To overcome this ordeal while supporting such a powerful club, team, and history speaks volumes about the man he was. Dad was deeply kind, tender, upright, and honest," the statement read.
Clubs Pay Tribute
Stade Brestois 29 said the entire club had been plunged into mourning. The club credited Roy with rewriting its history, transforming the team and leading it to unprecedented heights. "Eric Roy was an inspiring person who brought so much to Stade Brestois. Loved and respected by the supporters, he helped write the most beautiful pages in the club's history and enabled it to reach a historic level. So many things could be said today, but above all, it is the emotion and grief of losing a loved one that overwhelm us. Eric, we will never forget everything you brought to the club, nor the man that you were. You will remain forever in our hearts and in the history of Stade Brestois 29," the club stated.
Tributes also poured in from Olympique Lyonnais, Lille OSC, Sunderland AFC, and UEFA. Sunderland AFC wrote: "Everyone at Sunderland AFC is saddened by the passing of former player Eric Roy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Stade Brestois. Rest in peace, Eric." UEFA added: "We extend our deepest condolences to the French football community following the passing of former @SB29 head coach Éric Roy, who passed away today at the age of 58. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former teammates."
Playing and Coaching Career
Eric Roy began his playing career with OGC Nice before spells with SC Toulon, Olympique Lyonnais, and Olympique de Marseille. The former midfielder spent one season in the Premier League with Sunderland AFC after joining on a free transfer in 1999. After leaving Sunderland, he moved to Troyes in 2001 before spending 18 months with Rayo Vallecano. He eventually returned to Nice, where he ended his playing career in 2004.
Roy later moved into management and briefly coached Nice between 2010 and 2011 before working as a football pundit. He also served as a scout for Lens and had a short stint as sporting director of Watford FC in 2019. His greatest achievement as a manager came with Stade Brestois 29. Appointed during the 2023–24 season, he guided the club to a historic third-place finish in Ligue 1, securing Brest's first-ever qualification for European competition and a place in the UEFA Champions League.
Roy's passing has left a deep void in French football, with many remembering him as a dedicated and passionate figure who achieved remarkable success despite his illness.
