French football mourns Éric Roy

In the 2024/25 season, Roy’s Stade Brestois created one of the first fairytales of the new UEFA Champions League format. In their first-ever European campaign, they advanced to the knockout phase play-offs, bowing to eventual winners and fellow Ligue Un club Paris Saint-Germain.

"Éric Roy gave Brest and its supporters memories that will live far beyond statistical and history books," said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. "For those of us watching from afar, his team carried something rare – a spirit that felt honest, brave, and unforgettable. Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, Stade Brestois, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."

After taking the reins in January 2023, and keeping the Brittany club in Ligue 1 that season, Roy led them to a shock second place in Ligue 1 the following year. He was named France's coach of the season, and earned the nickname 'King Eric'.

However, Roy’s legend started at the other end of the country as a product of the OGC Nice youth system. He carved out a reputation as a tireless midfield engine for Nice, Sporting Toulon Var, Olympique Lyonnais, Olympique de Marseille, Sunderland, ESTAC Troyes and Rayo Vallecano between 1988 to 2004 – a part of the Marseille squad which reached the UEFA Cup final in 1999.

After his playing career Roy alternated management positions at Nice, Lens and Watford in England with punditry work in media. He had not coached in ten years when Brest appointed him.

"It is difficult to find the words to express the full extent of the sadness we feel following the passing of our coach, Éric Roy", the club stated. "Éric was an inspiring person who gave so much to Stade Brestois. Loved and respected by the fans, he helped write the most beautiful chapters in the club’s history and enabled it to reach unprecedented heights."