Éric Roy, coach of Stade Brestois, died this Wednesday at the age of 58. His family announced his passing on social media. The former player and coach had been battling pancreatic cancer.
The face of historic Brest
Having arrived on the bench of Stade Brestois on January 3, 2023, Éric Roy was initially given a clear mission: to keep the club in Ligue 1. He achieved this in his first half-season, before setting Brest on an unexpected trajectory at the highest French level.
A season etched in the club's history
Under his leadership, Brest achieved their best season ever in 2023-2024, finishing 4th in Ligue 1 and securing qualification for the Champions League. This performance earned him the title of Ligue 1's best coach at the 2024 UNFP Trophies.
A man of action, from Nice to Brest
Born on September 26, 1967 in Nice, Éric Roy was initially a professional player in the midfield position. His career took him to Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Sunderland, Troyes and Rayo Vallecano, among other clubs, before he transitioned into coaching, management and consulting.
A rare trajectory in French football
Before Brest, Éric Roy had managed OGC Nice between March 2010 and November 2011. He then had a long period away from the professional benches, before returning to the forefront with Brest, where his work has left its mark on the club and its supporters.
His death leaves Stade Brestois without the coach who guided them through one of the greatest chapters in their history. Éric Roy passes away at a time when his name remains synonymous with a rare sporting achievement: transforming a team destined to fight relegation into a side capable of challenging for European football.
