Brest manager Eric Roy has died at the age of 58, his family have confirmed in a statement.
Roy had been in charge of the Ligue 1 side since 2023, battling pancreatic cancer for the last three years.
His family announced that he passed away on Wednesday,
In a message on Instagram, his children and wife wrote: "Throughout all this time, he continued to live with a strength that still impresses us, sustained by the love of his family, by football, by his work and by this passion that never left him.
"What he accomplished in recent years will remain exceptional for us.
"To go through this ordeal while supporting such a powerful club, team, and history says a lot about the man he was. He loved football absolutely.
"His time at Stade Brestois was one of the best periods of his life.
"It gave him energy, joy, and a reason to keep going, even in the most difficult times."
Eric Roy has died at the age of 58
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Tributes have been pouring in for the 58-year-old.
Ligue 1 wrote in a statement: "Eric Roy, an iconic figure in French football, has passed away.
"Ligue 1 extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."
French side Lyon wrote: "Olympique Lyonnais has learned with great sadness of the passing of Eric Roy, an elegant and much-loved midfielder for OL from 1993 to 1996 (128 matches).
Tributes have poured in for Eric Roy across the footballing world
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"We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre said: "My deepest condolences. An adversary who became an ally, a model of professionalism wherever he faced challenges.
"We already miss you! Rest in peace, dear Eric."
Roy guided Brest to a third-place finish in 2024, securing Champions League football with the club for the very first time.
Roy guided Brest to a third-place finish in 2024
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Brest's stadium did not reach Uefa's requirement, meaning they had to play their home games at Guingamp's Stade de Roudourou.
They won their first European game against Austrian side Sturm Graz, before securing another victory against Red Bull Salzburg 4-0.
They would hold German champions Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-1, then defeat Sparta Prague 2-1.
Their remarkable run saw them finish in the Champions League play-off places, where they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.