Craig Shakespeare, whose manager helped Leicester win the Premier League title in 2016, died on Thursday at the age of 60, his family announced.
Shakespeare was a key member of Claudio Ranieri’s staff as the Foxes produced one of the greatest stories in the game’s history and lifted the game’s top trophy.
After Ranieri was sacked the following season, Shakespeare led Leicester to the quarter-finals of the Champions League as interim manager.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare,” his family said in a statement through the Professional Footballers’ Association.
‘Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family. While the family are immensely proud of his football achievements as a player and coach, to us, his family, he will always be first and foremost a loving and cherished husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
Former Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare has tragically passed away after a battle with cancer
Shakespeare was assistant manager of Leicester when they won the Premier League in 2016
He also held coaching roles at clubs including Everton, West Brom, Hull City and Aston Villa
Shakespeare represented Grimsby, West Brom and Walsall during his playing career
“The loss is devastating to all of us and we ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time as we try to process and grieve the loss of a very special person.”
After beginning his coaching career at West Bromwich Albion, Shakespeare has had spells at Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich, as well as three spells at Leicester, the third of which came under Dean Smith in the final weeks of the 2022-23 season.
He represented Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Telford and Hednesford during a 19-year playing career.
As a coach he formed an excellent partnership with Nigel Pearson at Leicester, culminating in the ‘Great Escape’ in 2015, when the Foxes produced a remarkable end to the season that lived up to expectations.
Pearson said: ‘It is difficult to put into words how I and everyone who has met or worked with Craig feels upon hearing this devastating news.
‘He is without a doubt one of the most talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and extraordinarily funny people I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend.
“Safe travels to your next destination, my wonderful friend. You are loved and admired by all of us, and every time we think of you, we get a smile, grin, giggle or memorable event. We are truly lucky to have known Shakey.”
Several of Shakespeare’s former clubs paid tribute to him in a similar manner after his death.
Everton said: ‘Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of our former manager Craig Shakespeare.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Shakespeare was Claudio Ranieri’s number 2 during Leicester’s historic title triumph
A statement released by the LMA on behalf of Shakespeare’s family shared the tragic news
Several of Shakespeare’s former clubs were quick to honor him on social media
Norwich expressed their condolences, saying: ‘Everyone at Norwich City is saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
‘Craig is remembered fondly at Carrow Road and his loss will be felt by the entire football community. Our sincere wishes go out to Craig’s friends and family at this sad time.’
West Brom said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Craig Shakespeare.
‘All of us at West Bromwich Albion, where Craig played as a player and in various other roles, are thinking of his friends, family and loved ones.
“Rest in peace, Shakey.”
Walsall also offered their condolences, adding: ‘We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former player Craig Shakespeare.
‘Craig played over 350 games for the Saddlers and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Grimsby Town shared a tribute which read: ‘We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Marine Craig Shakespeare.
The stylish midfielder made 121 appearances for Town, scoring 10 goals between 1993 and 1997.
“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.”
Shakespeare was most closely associated with Pearson, with whom he worked at West Brom, Leicester, Hull and Watford.
Meanwhile, he also joined Dean Smith at Aston Villa and Norwich, while Shakespeare was part of Sam Allardyce’s defensive team during his one-match spell as England manager.
Shakespeare was Nigel Pearson’s number 2 at Leicester, Hull and Watford (pictured above in 2020)
Shakespeare died after it was announced in October last year that he had cancer.
Shakespeare was on Dean Smith’s staff at Aston Villa, Norwich and Leicester
Shakespeare played a key role in Leicester’s Premier League triumph during the 2015–16 season and remained hugely popular with the Foxes’ fans.
After succeeding Ranieri in 2017, he spent eight months in charge of the club, winning 11 of his 26 matches before being replaced by Claude Puel.
Shakespeare was also interim manager of West Brom in 2006, overseeing a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Last October it was announced that Shakespeare had been diagnosed with cancer. His last role in football was as part of Smith’s coaching staff during his time at Leicester in 2023.