Image source, PA MediaFormer England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, seven weeks after he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, his family have confirmed.
One of English football’s most decorated players, Keegan enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle during an illustrious playing career.
He later went on to manage Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.
Keegan revealed he had stage four cancer in June, which is the most advanced stage of cancer and means the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
His family initially disclosed he was battling the disease in January, after he had “further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms” in hospital.
A statement on behalf of the Keegan family said he 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,” it continued.
“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.”
Newcastle United paid tribute, describing Keegan as “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history”.
The club statement added: “Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
“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.”
Liverpool, for whom Keegan played for between 1971 and 1977, said Keegan’s “indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on”.
Hamburg said football had lost one of its “defining figures” and they would always “cherish” his memory, while Fulham said Keegan “forged a strong connection” with the fans, who would “forever hold wonderful memories” of his short time at the club.
Keegan’s first club, Scunthorpe, described him as “one of the best players of his generation”, with an “inspirational demeanour” and “brilliant personality”.
England and Manchester City both offered their condolences to the Keegan family, with the latter describing him as “one of the most iconic and fondly remembered figures in English football”.
The Three Lions will celebrate Keegan’s life when they host Spain in a Uefa Nations League match at Wembley on 26 September.
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As a player, Keegan won major honours with Liverpool, claiming three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups and the FA Cup over a six-year spell.
He helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga and won back-to-back Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979. He remains one of only four English players to have won the award to date.
On the international stage, Keegan scored 21 goals in 63 games for England between 1972 and 1982, and went on to manage them from February 1999 until October 2000.
Keegan is one of the most transformational figures in Newcastle’s history – the mastermind behind ‘The Entertainers’, who challenged for the Premier League title in 1996.
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Such is his status, current head coach Eddie Howe even reached out to Keegan when he got the Newcastle job in 2021 to try and get the inside track on the club and the mindset he needed to succeed.
Keegan guided the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1992-93 before leading them to second place in 1995-96.
He led England to Euro 2000 before resigning in October following a World Cup qualifying defeat by Germany at Wembley.
Keegan managed City from 2001 to 2005, then returned to Newcastle for an eight-month spell in 2008.
Tributes to ‘mesmeric’ Keegan
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Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer: “My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy, Boss.”
Prince William, Patron of the Football Association: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.
“Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.”
Former Newcastle forward Faustino Asprillia: “Today is a day I never wanted to see. I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
“Kevin wasn’t just a football manager to me – he was the man who introduced me to the Premier League and made me fall in love with the beautiful city of Newcastle. Through his passion, belief, and love for the game, he inspired so many people, myself included.”
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher: “One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies and goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.
“One of the most important men in making LFC what it is today.”
BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter Ian Dennis: “Really sad news. He had such a magnetic character. He was mesmeric as a player and a person. This is really sad news. Condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.
“Everything he did, he put his heart and soul in to everything.”
Ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge: “The great Kevin Keegan has passed away. He gave me great joy in my teens as a huge LFC fan, and the saying says never meet your heroes? Well I did! Roger Hunt and KK, and they surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with all his family. God bless, Kevin. YNWA.”
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson: “He had time for everybody. You wouldn’t say that he was completely gifted as a footballer but he worked like stink to get himself even better and quicker. He was such a lovely man. It’s a very sad afternoon.
“Opposition supporters would actually clap when he came on the pitch which is very seldom to do.”
Ex-Newcastle striker Mick Quinn: “I knew Kevin didn’t have long left and was getting a daily bulletin of his health in recent days.
“Sadly he has passed, it was a privilege to worship him as a kid playing for Liverpool then to get to work with him professionally and get to know him personally. R.I.P Kevin.”
League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan OBE: “Kevin Keegan stands among the most decorated and iconic figures in English football history. He will be remembered with immense respect, admiration and affection.”
Former Middlesbrough striker Jan Aage Fjortoft: “Kevin Keegan, one of the superstars of our game, has passed away. For us who discovered football in the 70s he was ‘the one’.
“Later I had the pleasure to meet him, and he was such a nice and passionate guy. One part of his legacy will be that generations adored him regardless which team you supported. RIP.”
Ex-Tottenham centre-back Ramon Vega: “So sad. What a player and what a character as a manager! Kevin, you brought quality and greatness to the game. Thank you. R.I.P.”
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