Craig Shakespeare, the former manager of Leicester City, has passed away at the age of 60, as confirmed by his family. Shakespeare had been undergoing treatment for cancer since October 2023.
In addition to his time at Leicester, he held coaching positions at various clubs, including West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa, and Norwich City. He also served as the England assistant manager in 2016.
A statement from Shakespeare’s family, released through the League Managers’ Association, stated that he “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.” The statement emphasized the family’s pride in his footballing achievements but highlighted that to them, he was primarily a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. The family requested privacy as they mourned this significant loss and expressed gratitude for the prayers and good wishes received during the past months.
Shakespeare was part of Claudio Ranieri’s coaching staff during Leicester City’s remarkable 2015-16 season, when they won the Premier League. He took over as manager in February 2017 and was appointed permanently in June of that year, although he was sacked in October.
His last role was as an assistant at Leicester, starting in April 2023 under Dean Smith, but he left following the club’s relegation from the Premier League the following month.
During his playing career as a midfielder, Shakespeare represented several clubs, including Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion, Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United, Telford United, and Hednesford Town.
Nigel Pearson, a former Leicester boss who worked alongside Shakespeare at five different clubs, expressed his sorrow over the news, stating, “It’s difficult to put into words how I, and indeed everyone who came across or worked with Craig, will feel on hearing such devastating news.” Pearson described Shakespeare as a talented, emotionally aware, and humorous individual.
Shakespeare served as an assistant to England manager Sam Allardyce during a single match, which was a 1-0 victory against Slovakia in September 2016. The official England national team account shared a message expressing their devastation at his passing and extended condolences to his family and friends.
Leicester City released a statement honoring Shakespeare, stating that he “leaves a legacy at Leicester City like few others.” They acknowledged that while they mourned his loss, they were grateful for the special connection shared with him. The club described Shakespeare as more than just a staff member, highlighting his warmth and genuine interest in people, which endeared him to many. The impact he had on the club and its community will not be forgotten.
