Mandatory Credit: Photo by BILDBYR?N/Shutterstock (15188069b) Football, Division Two, England 1982-1983, Newcastle - Middlesbrough: Newcastles Kevin Keegan. Football, Division Twp, Newcastle - Middlesbrough, England - 28 May 2024
Kevin Keegan is a legend of English football (Picture: Shutterstock)
England football legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his family have announced.
The former Three Lions manager and two-time Ballon d’Or winner was diagnosed with cancer in January after being admitted to hospital with ongoing abdominal symptoms.
Speaking in May during his first public outing since his cancer diagnosis, Keegan said he was responding well to treatment after being assured ‘we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got’.
Keegan, one of the best footballers of his generation and a hugely popular figure in the sport, was ‘surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments’.
‘It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,’ a statement from the Keegan family read.
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‘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.
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Lee/BPI/Shutterstock (5896001ag) Kevin Keegan during the unveiling of the Alan Shearer statue at St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne on 12th September 2016 Football - Alan Shearer Statue Unveiling St. James' Park, Barrack Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom - 12 Sep 2016
Former England manager Keegan (Picture: Shutterstock)
UNITED KINGDOM: UNITED KINGDOM: England footballer Kevin Keegan pictured with his dogs circa 1980. (Photo by Allsport UK/Getty Images)
Keegan with his dogs in 1980 (Picture: Getty)
‘This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.’
Keegan started what proved to be a hugely successful career at Scunthorpe United before being signed by legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly in 1971.
With exactly 100 goals in 323 appearances, Keegan was part of one of Liverpool’s most successful teams, helping the club win three league titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup and the European Cup.
Keegan was one of England’s most important players throughout the 1970s, captaining the team 31 times and throughout their Euro 1980 campaign.
During his subsequent spell in Germany with Hamburger, Keegan’s impressive performances led to him being named European Football of the Year in back-to-back years and winning two Ballon d’Or awards.
Keegan had a brief but influential spell at Newcastle at the end of his playing career but secured his status as a club legend while managing the club following his retirement.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: (THE SUN OUT) Kevin Keegan, the new Liverpool FC signing runs out of the player's tunnel at Anfield prior to the Football League Division One match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest held on August 14, 1971 at Anfield, in Liverpool, England. Liverpool won the match 3-1. This game marked Kevin Keegan's debut for the club, he scored on his debut after 12 minutes and became top scorer that season netting 11 goals and became an idol at the club. (Photo by Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Keegan is still much-loved at Anfield (Picture: Getty)
Former England football manager Kevin Keegan speaks during the Soccerex European Forum in Manchester, north-west England on April 11, 2013. Soccerex is a football business event, conference and exhibition. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images)
Keegan went into management after hanging up his boots (Picture: AFP)
In his first season in charge, Keegan guided Newcastle to promotion to the Premier League as First Division champions.
Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ threatened to win the Premier League on more than one occasion once back in the top-flight, narrowly missing out on the title in 1995-96 to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
Keegan had the honour of managing his country at the end of the decade but failed to have the impact he had at Newcastle, resigning as England boss after less than two years in the job following a 2002 World Cup qualifying defeat.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 20, 2026
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/l0asyUnVC2
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 20, 2026
Like at Newcastle, Keegan also took Manchester City back into the Premier League in his first season at the club before his final managerial spell – a brief eight-month spell back at St James’ Park which ended due to tensions at board level.
Keegan was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and named by Liverpool fans as their eighth most important player of all time.
Newcastle have paid tribute to Keegan following his death, describing him as the ‘beating heart of the city for generations of supporters’.
‘Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager,’ they said. ‘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.’
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