Kevin Keegan, one of English football’s most celebrated players and managers, has died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer, his family have announced, with tributes expected from across the sport.
Kevin Keegan, the former England international and manager, has died aged 75 following a battle with cancer. In a statement, his family said he had been surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments, and paid tribute to him as “a much loved husband, father and grandfather.” Keegan won the Ballon d’Or twice during a playing career that took in Liverpool, Hamburg and the England national team, before going on to manage Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City and England. His family have asked for privacy at what they described as “a hugely difficult time.”
Family statement
Announcing his death, Keegan’s family 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.”
A decorated playing career
Keegan won the Ballon d’Or in consecutive years, in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only a small number of players to have claimed the award in back-to-back seasons. During his time at Liverpool, he won three First Division titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups and the FA Cup, before moving to Hamburg, where he went on to win the Bundesliga title.
At international level, Keegan earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals and captaining the national side on 31 occasions.
A pioneering managerial career
Keegan’s career in management was equally significant. As manager of Newcastle United, he famously led the club from the old Second Division into the Premier League, before overseeing the “Entertainers” side that finished as runners-up in the 1995–96 Premier League season. He went on to manage Fulham, the England national team and Manchester City, where he helped guide the club to promotion to the Premier League.
Illness and final months
Earlier this year, Keegan revealed he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, saying the illness had been discovered after he underwent medical tests following a car accident. In one of his final public appearances, he said he hoped to return to St James’ Park one last time to say a proper goodbye to Newcastle United supporters.
Tributes expected across football
Tributes to Keegan are expected from across the footballing world, including from Liverpool, Newcastle United, the Football Association and the Premier League, as well as from former teammates and players, in recognition of his contribution to English football.
