LONDON, United Kingdom — Kevin Keegan, the former England captain and manager who won the Ballon d’Or twice and is regarded as one of English football’s greatest players, has died at the age of 75 following a battle with stage four cancer.
Keegan’s family confirmed his passing on Monday, stating that he died peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters. The former Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Hamburg forward had been undergoing treatment since January after doctors discovered cancer during tests following a car accident.
The family’s statement 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.”
One of English football’s most decorated players, Keegan enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle during an illustrious playing career. At Liverpool, he won three First Division titles, the 1977 European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup. He later won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg, becoming the only English player to win the award twice.
Keegan made 63 appearances for England, scoring 21 goals and captaining the side 31 times. He later managed Newcastle United, Fulham, the England national team, and Manchester City. His most celebrated managerial spell came at Newcastle, where he guided the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1993 and led them to a thrilling title race with Manchester United in 1995-96.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Newcastle United, where Keegan is regarded as one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history, said: “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.”
Liverpool, where Keegan won the European Cup in 1977, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel paid tribute, saying: “I am so sad to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan. As a young football fan, he was the first England superstar I can remember watching growing up. He won every honour possible and to be named the best player in the world two times was an unbelievable achievement.” England have confirmed they will honour Keegan when they host Spain at Wembley in September.
