Former England international, captain, and manager, Kevin Keegan, has died at the age of 75 following a battle with stage four cancer.
One of the most celebrated figures in English football history, diagnosed with cancer in January, he died on Monday surrounded by family.
Confirming his passing in a statement, the family said: “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 also thanked his medical team for their care and requested privacy during the period of mourning.
Born in Doncaster, Keegan began his professional career with Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1971 under legendary manager Bill Shankly.
During his six years at Anfield, he won three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup, and the 1977 European Cup, establishing himself as one of England’s finest players.
He moved to West German side Hamburger SV in 1977, where he won the Bundesliga title and made history by claiming the Ballon d’Or in consecutive years in 1978 and 1979, becoming the only British player to win the prestigious award twice.
Keegan later returned to England for spells with Southampton and Newcastle United before retiring from professional football in 1984.
On the international stage, he earned 63 caps for England, scored 21 goals and captained the national team 31 times, representing the Three Lions at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
After hanging his boots, Keegan moved into management with Newcastle United in 1992, guiding the club from the lower divisions to the Premier League before leading them to a second-place finish in the 1995-96 season.
His managerial career also included spells with Fulham, the England national team, Manchester City, and a second stint at Newcastle United in 2008.
Keegan’s death marks the end of a remarkable football journey that saw him excel as both a player and manager while leaving a lasting legacy in English football.
