England and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan dies aged 75

By Press Association Sport Staff

Former England forward and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75.

Keegan, a star of Liverpool’s 1970s side who went on to become adored on Tyneside as player and manager of Newcastle, had been undergoing treatment for stage four cancer.

A statement from Keegan’s 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.”

Born in Doncaster, Keegan started his career at Scunthorpe before being signed for Liverpool by Shankly in 1971.

While at Anfield, Keegan struck up a formidable partnership with Welshman John Toshack, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.

Following that success, Keegan joined West German side Hamburg and was twice named European Footballer of the Year. He is the only British player to have won the award, which is now called the Ballon d’Or, more than once.

Keegan returned to England with Southampton in the summer of 1980 before moving to Second Division Newcastle, helping the club win promotion back to the top flight – only to then retire.

He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, playing at the 1982 World Cup and was also later captain of the national team.

In 1992, Keegan made his first step into management at Newcastle, leading them into the Premier League and to within touching distance of the 1995-96 title, but they missed out to Manchester United.

https://x.com/NUFC/status/2079217011863789997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The North East club paid tribute to Keegan in a statement issued on Monday afternoon, describing him as “the beating heart of Newcastle for generations of supporters”.

The club added: “As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle 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.”

After leaving St James’ Park in January 1997, a brief stint at Fulham followed before he became England manager in 1999 following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.

After overseeing a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.

A spell at Manchester City followed and then an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008, but he only lasted eight months at St James’ Park following tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley.

Effectively retiring from management, Keegan did occasional punditry work and some personal appearances, but remained largely out of the spotlight.

Keegan’s family revealed in January 2026 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which later spread to stage four.

https://x.com/SouthamptonFC/status/2079214474523783337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Southampton said they were “devastated” by the news of Keegan’s death, while City described him as a “transformative” manager who “brought optimism and vibrancy” to the club.

“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,” a City statement said.

The Football Association, posting on the official England X account, said it was “incredibly saddened” by the news.