The family of Kevin Keegan has released a statement on the former Liverpool player's passing at the age of 75, following a battle with cancer.
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
15:31, 20 Jul 2026Updated 15:57, 20 Jul 2026
Pundits Kevin Keegan and John Barnes look on after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic
Former Liverpool player Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75(Image: (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images))
Former Liverpool player Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, with the ex-England player and manager passing away following a battle with cancer.
Keegan's family released a statement after the news, which reads: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. A double Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin 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 was born and raised in Doncaster, England, where he would begin to build out his professional playing career with Scunthorpe United.
Noticed for his ability as a forward, Billy Shankly signed him for Liverpool in 1971, where he would go on to have the most memorable part of his career.
In his six years at Anfield, Keegan picked up three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, two FA Charity Shields, one FA Cup, and one European Cup.
On an individual level, the star also managed to pick up two Ballon d'Or titles, winning it back-to-back in 1978 and 1979 to seal his status as the best player in the world at the time.
Kevin Keegan of Liverpool poses for a photograph with the European Cup
Kevin Keegan helped guide Liverpool to the European Cup in 1977(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
There were memorable goals in that time with Liverpool, such as the brace in the 1974 FA Cup final that helped the Reds beat Newcastle 3-0, as well as goals in both legs of the UEFA Cup final in 1976.
At the same time as impressing with his exploits on the club stage for the Reds, the forward would go on to establish himself as a regular presence for the England national team.
In a ten-year spell for the Three Lions, Keegan picked up 63 caps and scored 21 times, captaining the nation following a downturn in form after the World Cup triumph in 1966.
Spells with Hamburger SV, Southampton, and Newcastle followed before his retirement from professional soccer in 1985, before his attention turned towards coaching.
Keegan's opening spell with Newcastle from 1992 until 1997 remains memorable, with his side nicknamed the "entertainers" from their thrilling way of playing.
With the Magpies, the ex-Liverpool man picked up the First Division in 1993, but went agonizingly close to winning the Premier League in 1996.
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A spell with Fulham followed, where he won the Second Division, before making his way into the England national team job, where he only lasted for a year.
He then spent time with Manchester City, winning the First Division with them, before a short stint with Newcastle in 2008 that brought his managerial career full circle.
The impact of Keegan as a player, a manager, and as a person will be remembered for all those he impacted in his time at each team.