Kevin Keegan, the former England captain and double Ballon d'Or winner, has died at the age of 75 after a battle with stage four cancer, his family has confirmed. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. Keegan leaves his wife Jean, to whom he was married for 51 years, and their children Laura Jane, 47, and Sarah Marie, 43.
The family's statement described him as “a much loved husband, father and grandfather” and thanked his “incredible medical team for all their support”. They requested privacy at “this hugely difficult time”.
“Kevin Keegan, former England captain and double Ballon d'Or winner, dies at 75 after cancer battle.”
Tributes poured in from across the football world. Newcastle United, where Keegan played and later managed, called him “the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters”. Alan Shearer, his former player, wrote simply: “My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy boss.” David Fairclough, his Liverpool teammate, said: “He made you feel fantastic. There are not enough great things to say about Kevin Keegan. He was awesome.”
Liverpool described his “indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution” as “forever etched in our history”. Hamburg said football had lost one of its “defining figures”. Fulham, where he also managed, said he “forged a strong connection” with fans. Scunthorpe, his first club, called him “one of the best players of his generation”. England and Manchester City both offered condolences, with City calling him “one of the most iconic and fondly remembered figures in English football”.
Keegan was diagnosed with stage four cancer in June, the most advanced stage, after hospital evaluation for “ongoing abdominal symptoms”. He had already disclosed the illness in January. His family confirmed his death seven weeks after he revealed the diagnosis.
The Three Lions will celebrate Keegan's life when they host Spain in a Uefa Nations League match at Wembley on 26 September.