Kevin Keegan: Liverpool and Newcastle lead emotional tributes to English football icon 'King Kev' | OneFootball

Former England captain, manager and two-time Ballon d’Or winner has died after cancer battle

Keegan’s passing at the age of 75 was announced in a statement released by his family on Monday, seven weeks after he confirmed that his cancer had progressed to stage four.

Keegan’s cancer diagnosis was first revealed in January after it was detected following an investigation into ongoing abdominal symptoms that saw him admitted to hospital for evaluation.

A statement from the Keegan family read: “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.

Tributes are laid for the late Kevin Keegan outside Newcastle’s St James’ Park

PA

One of the greatest English footballers of all time, Keegan won the Ballon d’Or award - the sport’s most prestigious individual prize - in consecutive years in 1978 and 1979 while playing in Germany with Hamburg.

His illustrious playing career was best known for a trophy-laden six-year spell at Liverpool between 1971-77, where he won three First Division titles, the club’s first European Cup, two UEFA Cups and the FA Cup under the guidance of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

Keegan also played for Southampton and Newcastle after beginning his career at Scunthorpe, as well as in Australia with Blacktown City, while he scored 21 goals in 63 senior international caps for England, featuring at the 1982 World Cup in Spain and captaining his country in 31 games.

As a manager, Keegan saved Newcastle from relegation from the second tier and led them to the Premier League as champions a year later in 1992/93, quickly turning them into title contenders at the top level as they finished as runners-up to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in successive seasons.

Keegan - who was given an OBE in 1982 for services to football - later led Fulham to the Second Division title and spent 20 months as manager of England following Glenn Hoddle’s sacking in 1999, guiding them to the Euro 2000 finals, where they beat Germany at Wembley but went out in the group stage.

He resigned in October 2000 and was succeeded by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Keegan also spent four years as Manchester City boss and established them in the Premier League following promotion before announcing his retirement from football in 2005, later returning for a shock second stint at Newcastle that year that lasted for only eight months.

In a heartfelt statement following Keegan’s passing, Liverpool wrote: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan.

“The former Reds No.7, who appeared 323 times and scored 100 goals for the club across six seasons, died at the age of 75 on Monday after being diagnosed with cancer last year.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin's family and friends at this hugely difficult time.”

They added: “Our 'Mighty Mouse', his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history.”

Newcastle’s own emotional tribute read: “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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

A post from England’s official X account said: “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 former clubs.”

Manchester City wrote: “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.”

Fulham said: “We're incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away.

“A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999.

“He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”

Southampton wrote: “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.”

Hamburg also paid tribute to one of the club’s best-ever players who won the Bundesliga title in 1978/79, writing: “Rest in peace, "Mighty Mouse".

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. The club legend has died at the age of 75. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”