Kevin Keegan: England and Liverpool legend dies aged 75 after cancer battle | OneFootball

Former forward won the Ballon d’Or twice in the 1970s

Kevin Keegan has died aged 75, his family have confirmed.

He had been diagnosed with stage four cancer back in January this year.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner was most known for his playing career at Liverpool, where he won the old First Division title three times, on top of the FA Cup, the European Cup, and two UEFA Cups.

He then moved to Hamburg in Germany, where he was crowned the world’s best player twice in 1978 and 1979.

The forward won the Bundesliga title and reached the European Cup final across two seasons on the continent, and he returned to play for Southampton and Newcastle United, going on to manage the latter once he had hung up his boots.

International hero: Kevin Keegan

Steve Powell/Allsport/Getty Images

A statement released by the Keegan family read: “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 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 earned 63 senior England caps, scoring 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, and he took the managerial reins in February 1999, baving previously taken charge of Newcastle United and Fulham.

He guided his country to qualification for Euro 2000, and he led them to a first competitive win over Germany since 1966, but a final 3-2 defeat by Romania saw the Three Lions crash out on the group stages.

Keegan resigned later that year in October, where he was replaced by Sven-Goran Eriksson.