Stade Brest coach Éric Roy dies at 58 after three-year battle with pancreatic cancer

The French football community is mourning Éric Roy, the 58-year-old manager of Stade Brestois, who died on Wednesday 17 June 2026. His family confirmed the news on Instagram, revealing that Roy had been battling pancreatic cancer for three and a half years. The coach had never publicly disclosed his illness, channelling his energy into the club that became his final, celebrated chapter.

The announcement

"We have the immense sadness to announce the death of our father and husband, Éric Roy," his family wrote. The statement described a man sustained by his love for the game even through gruelling treatment.

During all this time, he kept living with a strength that still impresses us, carried by the love of his family, by football, by his work and by this passion that never left him.

Roy took over at Brest in January 2023. Within eighteen months, he had transformed a Ligue 1 also-ran into one of the most compelling stories in European football, steering the club to a third-place finish and a place in the 2024-2025 Champions League, the first in its history.

A bond with players and a city

The family's farewell message dwelled on the connection Roy forged with his squad. They described a man who was "profoundly kind, tender, upright and honest," someone who loved his players "very much and was proud to be their coach."

He loved football absolutely. His time at Stade Brestois was one of the most beautiful moments of his life. It gave him energy, joy and a reason to continue, even in the most difficult moments.

In Brittany he was christened "King Eric," an affectionate nickname that captured the esteem in which he was held. When France coach Didier Deschamps handed him the Ligue 1 Manager of the Year award in spring 2024, it sealed a fairytale arc for the former defensive midfielder.

A career from Nice to Liverpool

Born in Nice, Roy spent his playing days at OGC Nice, Olympique Lyonnais, Olympique de Marseille and Sunderland, winning two French league runner-up medals and reaching a UEFA Cup final. After retiring he became a director of football, a manager (including a stint at Nice in 2010-2011) and a television pundit, before Brest gave him the chance that reignited his career.

Tributes have multiplied since the announcement, from former colleagues, players and supporters who recall a man of integrity and quiet resilience. His family, in closing their statement, thanked the Brest faithful: "Your welcome, your support, your fervour and your love touched him deeply. That strength accompanied him far more than you can imagine."