Kevin Keegan, Newcastle and England great, dies aged 75

Newcastle United and Liverpool great Kevin Keegan has died aged 75.

The former England manager and forward disclosed in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Keegan had been suffering from abdominal problems following a car accident and went into hospital for tests last year, which revealed an unspecified type of cancer.

In May, during an appearance at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle, Keegan told the audience that he had stage-four cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease, meaning it had spread to other parts of his body.

Keegan managed Newcastle twice and also played for them, while he won three First Division titles with Liverpool during the 1970s and twice received the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world while at Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.

He scored 21 goals in 63 games for England, who he also captained and then managed between 1999 and 2000.

His death was confirmed in a statement from his family on Monday.

(Graham Turner/Keystone/Getty Images)

“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” the statement read.

“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 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.”

Keegan started his playing career at Scunthorpe United and made almost 600 league appearances for six separate clubs, also representing Southampton and Blacktown City in Australia.

After retiring, Keegan almost led Newcastle to the Premier League title in 1995-96 during his first managerial role, having saved the club from relegation to the third tier before taking them up to the top flight.

After another promotion with Fulham, Keegan took over the England role but resigned in October 2000 following a World Cup qualifying loss to Germany. A four-year stint at Manchester City followed, where he led the club to promotion to the Premier League, before an emotional but ultimately ill-fated return to Newcastle in 2008 under Mike Ashley’s ownership.

‘Iconic and influential’ – tributes pour in for Keegan

Newcastle, who Keegan played for and then managed twice, paid tribute to “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures” in the club’s history.

“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters,” a club statement read.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Liverpool, who Keegan played for between 1971 and 1977, winning three Division One titles and the European Cup in 1977, described Keegan as “a hero wherever he went”.

“His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on,” a Liverpool statement read.

(Don Morley/Getty Images)

Keegan moved to Hamburg in 1977 and spent three years at the club, winning the Bundesliga in 1979. The German club paid tribute to a player who “thrilled fans with his passionate and spectacular style of play”.

“With his pace, dynamism, exceptional heading ability, and unwavering commitment, he embodied the team spirit like few others,” a Hamburg statement read. “His former teammate Horst Hrubesch once described him as follows: ‘Keegy was the kind of player every team would still want today. He always put the team first and his personality ignited everyone around him’.

“For the HSV fans, he will always be one thing above all: a fan favourite, an exceptional player, and one of the best footballers ever to wear the HSV diamond on his chest.

“With Kevin Keegan’s passing, world football loses one of its most influential figures. Hamburger SV will always cherish the memory of their former title-winning player and two-time Ballon d’Or winner.”

Manchester City, who Keegan led to promotion from the second tier to the Premier League in 2001-02, wrote on social media: “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.”

One of Keegan’s legacies at Newcastle was his signing of Alan Shearer — the club’s all-time top goalscorer — in 1996. Shearer went on to score 206 times for the club and is widely regarded as their greatest ever striker.

Keegan managed Shearer both at Newcastle and England, immediately appointing his striker as captain for the national team.

Shearer wrote on X: “My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”

David Beckham, who also played under Keegan for England, wrote on Instagram:  “Such a sad day to hear the passing of Kevin Keegan. A man that was very kind to me and my family. Sending lots of love and thoughts to his family and friends.”

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, said Keegan was “one of the most important men in making Liverpool what it is today”.

“One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, two-time Ballon d’Or winner shows he was a giant of our game,” Carragher wrote on social media.

Andy Burnham, who became UK Prime Minister on Monday, said that he was “devastated” by Keegan’s passing, describing him as “a true great for Liverpool, for Newcastle, for England, and for everyone who loves the game.”

Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association said Keegan “was a truly iconic figure within the English game and beyond.

“As a player and a manager, Kevin represented the Three Lions 91 times and was without doubt one of this country’s most recognisable footballing figures. He wore the England badge with pride, both on and off the pitch.

“Our deepest condolences are with Kevin’s family and friends, as well as with the clubs he represented both in England and overseas. We will pay a full tribute to his memory at England’s game against Spain later this year.”