Kevin Keegan, England and Liverpool legend, dies aged 75 after cancer battle

London: Liverpool, Newcastle United and England great Kevin Keegan died at the age of 75, seven weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, his family confirmed on Monday. Kevin Keegan, 1951-2026 pic.twitter.com/ce1Dtt5j4x— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 20, 2026 The former England captain and manager is one of the country's most decorated players -- he was an attacking midfielder who also played as a forward-- and enjoyed successful spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle during an illustrious playing career. Later he managed Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City and the national men's squad. 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, 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 announced in posts on its official social media handle.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…— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 20, 2026 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," the club said in its post on X, paying glowing tributes to one of their best players ever.A tribute to Kevin Keegan from our CEO, David Hopkinson, following today's devastating news.— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 20, 2026 The club also sent condolences to Keegan's family, mourning the loss of a true giant."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," it said.An outpouring of love for King Kev from those who knew him so well.— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 20, 2026 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. Rest in peace, King Kev," the club said.It was nearly a month back in June that Keegan sent shockwaves among his fans when he announced the news about stage four cancer -- the most advanced stage of cancer. His family initially disclosed he was battling the disease in January, after he had "further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms" in hospital.A tribute to Kevin Keegan OBE, 1951-2026 pic.twitter.com/krTdVUr2Lt— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 20, 2026 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," the family had said. We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin. 1951-2026— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 20, 2026 Liverpool FC also paid fitting tributes to Keegan. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history, and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin. 1951-2026," the club said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.Manchester City described Keegan as a transformative manager and also highlighted his role in the club making it back into the top clubs.Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75. Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge. The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be… pic.twitter.com/oaWnsiUx5k— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 20, 2026 "Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75. Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge. "The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time," the club said in a post on X.Rest in peace, Kevin Keegan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iBKipxY6c2— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 20, 2026 Born on February 14, 1951, at Armthorpe, Doncaster, Keegan started his youth career at Scunthorpe United in 1967-68 before making his senior debut at the club in 1968. He stayed there till 1972 before moving to Liverpool for six years, representing the club in 230 matches, scoring 68 goals.After brief spells at Hamburger SC (1977-1980) and Southampton (1980-1982), Keegan moved to Newcastle United in 1982 and stayed there till 1984, earning 78 caps and scoring 48 goals. He ended his playing career at Blacktown City in 1985, playing just two matches. In his lengthy club career, Keegan played 592 matches in which he scored 204 goals.We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin's family, friends and… pic.twitter.com/0KnE01CHN0— England (@England) July 20, 2026 In a decade-long international career, Keegan made 63 appearances, scoring 21 goals for England.Later, he had successful managerial stints at Newcastle United (1992-1997 & 2008), Fulham (1997-1999), England (1990-2000), and Manchester City (2001-2006). He managed England's qualification to Euro 2000 via a playoff win over Scotland. He reigned as England manager after a poor performance in Euro 2000.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Kevin Keegan was an iconic figure of English football on and off the pitch (Picture: Getty Images) Newcastle United hero Lee Clark fought through tears during an emotional tribute to his former manager Kevin Keegan after his death on Monday.The Newcastle, Liverpool and England legend died aged 75 this week after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in January.There has been a great outpouring of emotion for the hugely popular player and manager, who was born and raised in Yorkshire, but became a hero on Tyneside and Merseyside.Clark played under Keegan during his first spell in charge of the Magpies from 1992-97 and has tremendously fond memories of him as a boss and as a person. Get personalised football updates every day Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning. Speaking on BBC 5 Live, Clark had to hold back tears as he described the impact Keegan made on Newcastle, both the club and the city.‘Very tough last hour, to be honest, when the news broke. It’s a real tough day,’ Clark told the BBC. ‘I was lucky enough to witness him revitalise, not just Newcastle United Football Club, but also the city on two separate occasions. ‘Once as a player in the early 80s when I was just a youngster standing on the terraces and then to have him as my boss in the early 90s and he did that again as the manager, was just unbelievable. Lee Clark breaking down into tears on BBC Radio 5 Live really got me 😢#NUFC pic.twitter.com/5sCJKV4ttj— NUFC Gallowgate 🏆 (@NUFCgallowgate) July 20, 2026 ‘A very, very sad day today, this city will be in mourning for a long time, they’ve lost a special person.‘They always say…sorry I’m getting a bit emotional…they always say that no one person is bigger than a football club, but if there was ever one person who was close to that with Newcastle United, it was Kevin Keegan.’Clark, who had two spells at Newcastle, explained how Keegan had a personal connection with his players.‘He was just a special man. A father figure to the players. We had complete trust in him. Just an absolutely heart-breaking day, to be honest,’ he said. Kevin Keegan celebrates with the Division One trophy in 1993 with Lee Clark (bottom left) (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Amazing to work with him every single day and him investing his time to make me better both as a player and a person. I’m just so proud.‘He wasn’t just a manager, he was a father figure. When my first child was born, my son, him and his family bought gifts for my son.‘It was just little things like that, the way he made you feel as a person and a footballer. And that was everybody, every single player loved him.’ Clark played over 200 times for Newcastle (Picture: Getty Images) Tributes have been paid from a long list of players who played with and under Keegan over his brilliant career on the pitch and in the dugout.His fellow Newcastle legend, Alan Shearer, kept it simple as he wrote: ‘My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.’The club posted: ‘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.’ 💔🥲 pic.twitter.com/263HlXmI2r— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 20, 2026 Not in the same legendary status, but certainly a Newcastle cult hero, Faustino Asprilla has fond memories of his time with Keegan.‘Today is a day I never wanted to see,’ wrote the Colombian. ‘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. He taught me that football is about much more than winning. It’s about passion, loyalty, hope, and never giving up. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and for that I will be forever grateful. Keegan won two Ballon D’Ors in 1978 and ’79 (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Today, Newcastle has lost a true legend, and the football world has lost one of its greatest gentlemen. My heart is heavy, and I honestly can’t put into words how saddened I am by this news. ‘Thank you, Kevin for everything you gave to Newcastle United, to football, and to fans like me. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Kevin Keegan. You will never be forgotten.‘My deepest condolences and all my love go to Kevin’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him during this incredibly difficult time.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

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’. Get personalised football updates every day Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning. ‘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. ‘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.  Former England manager Keegan (Picture: Shutterstock) 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. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page 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. Keegan is still much-loved at Anfield (Picture: Getty) 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.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source