Football presenter Richard Keys said he had been in touch with England legend Kevin Keegan since news of his cancer diagnosis broke, adding he was sending his 'best wishes'
16:26, 09 Jan 2026Updated 16:26, 09 Jan 2026
Liverpool have released a Kevin Keegan statement
View 3 Images
Liverpool have released a Kevin Keegan statement(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Kevin Keegan is ‘up for the fight’ against cancer, according to TV presenter Richard Keys.
The BeIN sports host said that he had been in touch with the England football legend since news of his diagnosis broke on Wednesday (January 7). Former Sky Sports presenter Keys, 68, said the ex-Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton striker ‘can win this battle’.
The Qatar-based presenter wrote on X: “Been in touch with King Kev to send all our love from the desert. Everybody at his tv home @beINSPORTS_EN sends best wishes. He’s up for the fight. He’s beaten tougher opponents. He can win this battle. Good luck Kevin.”
Richard Keys
View 3 Images
Richard Keys (Image: Getty Images)
Fellow Newcastle and England legend Alan Shearer posted two love hearts and a ‘praying’ emoji.
Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori wrote: “We’re all with you Kevin.”
Former boxing world champ Barry McGuigan said: “God bless Kevin, keeping my fingers crossed that you will be ok.”
Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies added: “Speedy recovery Kevin x.”
The sporting community has rallied round Keegan, 74, following his recent diagnosis after being admitted to hospital for abdominal problems.
View 3 Images
Keegan playing for Liverpool in 1971(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
A Newcastle United spokesman said: “Our former player & manager Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. King Kev. We’re with you every step of the way.
“Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”
The club displayed the message ‘We’re all here with you King Kev’ on the LED board ahead of its 4-3 Premier League victory over Leeds on Tuesday.
Keegan - known as ‘Mighty Mouse’ - helped Liverpool win three English league titles, two UEFA and European and FA Cups.
He then moved to German giants Hamburger SV and won two best-in-the-world Ballon d’Or awards as helped the club win the Bundesliga before returning to England in 1980 first joining Southampton before heading to Newcastle.
Article continues below
After retiring the married dad-of-two managed Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City and was England boss from 1999 to 2000.