Kevin Keegan, the only English footballer to win the Ballon d'Or twice, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 73.
Keegan, known affectionately as 'Mighty Mouse' or 'King Kev', left an enduring legacy both as a player and a manager. He won the World Player of the Year award twice, a feat that placed him among the game's elite. His playing career glittered for Liverpool, where he became a legend, and later for Newcastle United, a club that revered him.
“Kevin Keegan, two-time Ballon d'Or winner and former England manager, dies aged 73 after cancer battle.”
As a manager, Keegan took charge of the England national team, a role that brought both glory and infamy. It was during the 1995–96 season that he delivered his most unforgettable line: "I would love it" — a passionate outburst that encapsulated his fervour for the game. Speaking to BBC's Football Focus in 2018, Keegan reflected on his career with pride: "I'm proud of it," he told Dan Walker.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Liverpool and Newcastle led emotional tributes to the former England captain and manager. The two clubs, where Keegan made his name, honoured a man who had become a symbol of English football's golden era.
Keegan's death marks the end of an era. He was the last Englishman to be named World Player of the Year, and his influence on the pitch and in the dugout inspired generations. His legacy, from European triumphs to iconic soundbites, will not be forgotten.