Kevin Keegan dies aged 75
Kevin Keegan has sadly passed away at the age of 75 following a battle with cancer, his family have announced.
It was confirmed back in January that the legendary former Newcastle manager was being treated for cancer, with Keegan himself revealing the disease was at stage four last month during an appearance at a fan event.
A statement released by Keegan's family on Monday afternoon 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. "This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Kevin Keegan, who has sadly passed away at the age of 75.
More tributes to one of English football's all-time greats can be found here.
(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
After such a memorable England World Cup campaign, the news about Kevin Keegan feels particularly sad, writes John Cross.
King Kev will go down as one of the greatest players England has ever produced and his international career - both as player and manager - was unforgettable.
Read John's full tribute to Kevin here.
(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
Andy Dunn has also penned a tribute to the late, great Kevin Keegan.
"In my memory, there has been no character in football as irrepressible as Kevin Keegan. Simple as that. A joy to watch, a joy to be around. Infectious, funny, passionate and never one to take himself too seriously.
"Which - considering he twice won the Ballon D’Or and considering the proliferation of elite footballers who do take themselves so very seriously - deserved the highest praise."
Read Andy's full piece paying tribute to King Kev here.
They say that you should never meet your heroes.
Kevin Keegan, a legend of the game and a hero to millions, was the exception to that rule.
Growing up on Tyneside, he was my idol at school because of his exploits with Liverpool, England, Hamburg and then of course my beloved Newcastle United, where he was a player and then manager.
When I started working for the Mirror in 1993, I met him when he managed England, and later when he was in club football at Fulham.
Read Jeremy Armstrong's memories of Keegan here.
Tributes from clubs and football figures
Hamburg, another of the clubs Kevin Keegan represented during his playing days, have shared a touching tribute to the former Ballon d'Or winner.
Referencing his 'Mighty Mouse' nickname, the club wrote on X:
"We mourn the loss of Kevin Keegan.
"The English football icon has passed away at the age of 75 due to the consequences of his cancer illness.
"With Kevin Keegan, world football loses one of its most defining personalities. We will always cherish an honorable memory of our former championship player and two-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who accompanied him on his journey. Rest in peace, 'Mighty Mouse'."
Manchester United have paid a classy tribute to Kevin Keegan following his sad passing.
Keegan had many battles with United given his affiliation with Liverpool and Manchester City. United describe him as "a giant of English football".
Prince William has penned a tribute to Kevin Keegan following his passing.
"Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan, William wrote on X.
"A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.
"Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. W."
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Kevin Keegan was one of English football's most decorated stars before pursuing a successful career in management.
From the start of his pro career with Scunthorpe to Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and then his beloved Newcastle, Keegan was a league winner, European Cup holder and two-time Ballon d'Or winner by the time he hung up his boots.
Management brought more accolades. His Newcastle side at their pomp is widely regarded as one of the most exciting teams in Premier League history, while his stint at Manchester City yielded a memorable promotion back to the top-flight, paving the way for the hugely successful period they are currently in the midst of.
Keegan also represented his country as both player and manager, scoring 21 goals in 63 games. He then managed the Three Lions for almost two years.
Steve Heighway and Kevin Keegan (R) celebrate with the FA Cup after Liverpool defeated Newscatle United in 1974.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
"Everyone at Scunthorpe United is devastated to hear of the passing of former player Kevin Keegan at the age of 75," Keegan's first club have said following his death.
"A member of the club's hall of fame, Keegan started his career with Scunthorpe after coming through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team and surpassing 100 appearances for United between 1968 and 1971, scoring 24 times during his three-year stint at the Old Show Ground that saw him attract attention from Bill Shankly's Liverpool side.
"Keegan was considered one of the best players of his generation and enjoyed a stellar playing career, making almost 750 club appearances, lifting the First Division trophy three times with Liverpool and winning the Ballon d'Or back-to-back in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg in the Bundesliga.
(Image: Peter Robinson/EMPICS Sport/PA Wire)
"Following his illustrious playing career, Keegan would go on to establish himself as one of the very best England had to offer, having stints as England manager as well as being boss of Newcastle United, Fulham and Manchester City.
"With a constant smile on his face, Keegan returned to the Attis Arena in late 2025 to witness the matchday atmosphere once again, giving the Scunthorpe players a pre-match team talk using his inspirational demeanour, before taking time to speak to each and every person he encountered, highlighting his brilliant personality.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all of "King Kev's" family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."
Liverpool have penned a touching tribute to their former player, Kevin Keegan.
Keegan is an Anfield legend after scoring 100 goals for the club across six seasons, making 323 appearances in total.
The Reds say his 'remarkable contributions' will stand the test of time.
Kevin Keegan spent four years in charge at Manchester City, establishing them as a Premier League club after guiding them back to the top-flight with promotion.
They say the promotion campaign of 2001-02 will "never be forgotten" and credit Keegan for making them a force in the top-flight once again.
Alan Shearer played under Kevin Keegan for Newcastle and England.
He is the latest figure to pay tribute to Keegan, who he describes as his "hero".
"My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss," said Shearer on X.
Jamie Carragher has paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, describing the former Ballon d'Or winner as one of the English game's all-time greats.
Southampton, one of Kevin Keegan's former clubs, are the latest to pay tribute to one of English football's most cherished figures.
"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan," the Saints wrote on X.
"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."
7=. Southampton (1) - Kevin Keegan
(Image: GETTY)
Kevin Keegan told fans at an appearance at the start of June that he had stage-four cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease.
The former England manager was in good spirits and quipped that his doctor was a Liverpool supporter during the event.
Keegan was quoted as saying:
"They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean."
Kevin Keegan
(Image: (Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Newcastle, Liverpool and England lead the tributes
Newcastle have released a statement saying that are "devastated" following the passing of Kevin Keegan.
Keegan is a Magpies legend after two managerial stints at St James' Park.
"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," the statement read.
"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters."
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
We're sorry to bring you the desperately sad news that Kevin Keegan, the former Newcastle and England manager, has died at the age of 75.
Keegan had been battling cancer. His family confirmed the sad news of his passing with a statement.
It 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.
