Kevin Keegan dies at age of 75 as family release statement
English football legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his family have announced.
Keegan, who won the Ballon d'Or twice as a player before managing a host of teams including Newcastle and England, revealed in June that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
In a statement posted by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Keegan's family stated that he was 'surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments'.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," the statement reads.
"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."
Keegan was a two-time Ballon d'Or winner in 1978 and 1979 and is widely regarded as one of English football's greatest-ever players.
He spent most of his professional career in England, playing for Scunthorpe United, Liverpool - where he won the 1977 European Cup - Southampton and Newcastle United.
After his European Cup success, he would spend the next three years with Hamburg.
The club won the Bundesliga in 1979 and would reach the European Cup final a year later, losing 1-0 to Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest.
He scored 21 goals in 61 caps for England, though only played in one World Cup - in 1982 - as the Three Lions failed to qualify for the previous two editions. He captained the squad for six years between 1976 and 1982.
Keegan retired from playing in 1985 and eventually made a successful transition to management, taking charge of Newcastle in February 1992.
One of his most significant contributions to Newcastle was helping them to guide them to the 1992/93 First Division title, meaning they would play in the second season of the newly-founded Premier League.
He introduced a distinctive attacking style of play to St. James' Park, as well as a host of young players to the first team.
The Magpies narrowly missed out on winning the Premier League title in 1996 to Manchester United.
After resigning in 1997, he subsequently joined Fulham, before accepting the role of England manager in 1999.
He resigned from that role in the months that followed Euro 2000, and had further spells in charge of Manchester City and Newcastle before stepping away from management in 2008.
Keegan went on to work in the media, including at the 2010 World Cup, before becoming an after-dinner speaker, where he spoke at various charity functions.
He was a staunch critic of former Newcastle chairman and owner Mike Ashley, having won a claim of constructive dismissal against the Sports Direct chief after his second departure from the club in 2008.
Keegan revealed in 2025 that he would pick current Magpies stars Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn in his Newcastle 'Entertainers' side of the 1990s.
Newcastle United, England pay tribute to Keegan
Keegan was nicknamed 'King Kev' by the St. James' Park faithful, and Newcastle paid tribute to their former player and manager shortly after his death was announced.
"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," they stated.
"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
"As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James' Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United 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."
The club went on to confirm that, 'at the appropriate moment', they will 'carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin's remarkable life and legacy'.
The England national football team posted on X (Twitter): "We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.
"Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the Three Lions from 1999 to 2000.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin's family, friends and former clubs."
Topics: England, Newcastle United, Liverpool
Ryan Smart