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Former England soccer captain and manager Kevin Keegan died at 75, weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, his family confirmed. Keegan revealed in June that he had stage four cancer, the most advanced stage of cancer. It meant that the disease had spread to other parts of his body.
His family went public with the news in January after he had been hospitalized for tests to look into ongoing stomach problems. Keegan’s family said in a statement that he was “surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.”
The statement added, “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. This is a hugely difficult time, and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Soccer World Remembers Kevin Keegan
Newcastle United released a tribute, saying Keegan was one of the most iconic, influential, and deeply loved figures in the club’s history. The statement mentioned, “Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.”
It added, “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.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool, where Keegan played from 1971 to 1977, also paid tribute to his fighting spirit and the impact he had on the club. They said his legacy and contribution would always be part of the club’s story.
Similarly, Hamburg said that soccer had lost one of its greatest figures and that they would always treasure his memory. Fulham noted that Keegan had formed a close bond with their fans during his brief time at the club, and supporters would hold onto those memories.
Moreover, England and Manchester City both sent their condolences to the Keegan family. City remembered him as one of the most iconic and well-loved figures in English soccer. England will honor his memory when they take on Spain in a UEFA Nations League match at Wembley on September 26.
Several soccer fans also paid tribute to Keegan on social media. An X user wrote, “Absolutely gutted to learn KevinKeegan has died. Rest easy, legend. Forever my favourite footballing quote.“
Similarly, another person added, “This just shows you how PASSIONATE Kevin Keegan was. Truly a legend, not just for Liverpool and England… but for FOOTBALL.”
A fan also commented, “Best player in the world in his and my generation, rip lad.”
During his playing days, Keegan was incredibly successful. He won three league titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup during his six years at Liverpool. He then helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga and scooped back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only four English players ever to win the award.
For England, he scored 21 goals in 63 appearances between 1972 and 1982 and later managed the national team from 1999 to 2000. At Newcastle, he became a transformational figure, masterminding the “Entertainers” side that came close to winning the Premier League title in 1996.
When Eddie Howe took over at Newcastle in 2021, he even reached out to Keegan to get his perspective on the club and what it would take to succeed there. Keegan had earlier guided Newcastle to promotion in 1992-93 and then to a second-place finish in the Premier League in 1995-96.
He also managed England to Euro 2000 before stepping down in October 2000 following a World Cup qualifier defeat to Germany at Wembley. Keegan spent four years after that managing Manchester City from 2001 to 2005 and later returned to Newcastle for a brief eight-month stint in 2008.
