Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his former club Newcastle United announced on Monday.
Keegan’s family and Newcastle revealed in January that he was undergoing cancer treatment, though they did not share further details. In June, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Newcastle paid an emotional tribute to one of the club’s greatest figures.
“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 club said.
The club praised Keegan’s impact both as a player and manager, saying he brought belief and ambition to Newcastle and later inspired supporters with an exciting team that captured the imagination of football fans around the world.
Keegan began his playing career with Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1971.
During six successful seasons at Anfield, he made 323 appearances and scored 100 goals. He won three First Division titles, one FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the 1977 European Cup.
He then moved to German club Hamburg, where he won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, becoming the only British player to win the prestigious award twice. Keegan later returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle United before retiring in 1984 at the age of 33.
For England, Keegan scored 21 goals in 63 appearances between 1972 and 1982 and captained the national team 31 times.
He began his managerial career at Newcastle in 1992, guiding the club to promotion to the Premier League and turning them into one of England’s most exciting teams. His side came close to winning the 1995-96 Premier League title before Manchester United overtook them in the closing stages of the season.
After leaving Newcastle in 1997, Keegan had a short spell at Fulham before becoming England manager in 1999 following Glenn Hoddle’s exit.
He stepped down after Euro 2000 and a defeat to Germany at Wembley, saying he was “not good enough” for the role. He won seven of his 18 matches in charge.
Keegan later managed Manchester City before leaving in 2005. He returned for a second spell at Newcastle in 2008, but it lasted only eight months.
In a statement, Keegan’s family said: “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.”
Tributes poured in from across the football world.
Liverpool said: “Our ‘Mighty Mouse’, his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history.”
England Football said it was “incredibly saddened” by the news, while former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer wrote: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”
