Kevin Keegan’s heartbroken family have confirmed the football legend’s sad passing at 75, just months after his cancer diagnoses was confirmed
South Yorkshire born football icon Kevin Keegan has passed away after a short battle with cancer. The Doncaster-born former Liverpool, England and Newcastle United man was 75.
In a statement this afternoon, the family of the former England manager said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
"Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."
Keegan announced he was fighting stage-four cancer in January this year and just months later, a malicious hoax circulated on social media falsely alleging he had only days remaining.
He was seen as one of his generation’s finest footballers in this country and later made the transition to management, leading Newcastle into the Premier League in his first full season in charge having kept them up the previous campaign.
He then led them to the brink of the top-flight title before they were edged out by Manchester United, and later landed the England job. He later managed Manchester City, leading them into the Premier League, before an ill-fated return to Newcastle in 2008.
As a player he won four top-flight titles with Liverpool and won the Ballon d'Or back-to-back while playing for Hamburg in 1978 and 1979. In a statement this afternoon Newcastle described themselves as “devastaed” to hear of Keegan’s passing, descriving him as “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.”
“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager,” the statement continued. “He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters. As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.
“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.
“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.”
Born on Valentine’s Day 1951 at 32 Elm Place, Armthorpe to English parents of part Irish ancestry, Keegan attended his local school, St. Peter’s High School in nearby Cantley.
At the age of 16, Keegan was spotted playing at amateur level for Pegler, his employer at the time, and signed by fourth division Scunthorpe United – one of just two professional sides in the division.
Reputedly rejected by his home town club of Doncaster Rovers for being too small, Keegan became a first team regular and scored 18 goals in 124 games, attracting the attention of the Merseyside giants Liverpool with legendary boss Bill Shankly snapping him up for £35,000 in 1971.
The move proved to be the beginning of Keegan’s rise to fame, which saw him become a global icon of the game.
During a glittering spell with the Reds, he won three First Division titles, the UEFA Cup twice, the FA Cup and the European Cup and also became an England regular, making his debut in 1972, becoming captain in 1976 and scoring 21 goals for his country in 63 games - although his World Cup career was limited to just 26 minutes at the 1982 finals in Spain.
Further successful spells followed at Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle before he made the step into management.