Kevin Keegan passes away at 75, family shares statement
English football legend Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75, his family has shared.
Keegan, who won the Ballon d’Or twice as a player and later managed teams like Newcastle and England, revealed in June that he was fighting stage four cancer.
In a message shared by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, his family said Kevin was “surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.”
“It is with great sadness that we announce Kevin Keegan has passed away at 75,” the statement read.
“Kevin had been bravely battling cancer and was with his wife and daughters when he passed.
“He was not only a double Ballon d’Or winner but also a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather.
“The family thanks Kevin’s amazing medical team for all their care and support.
“This is a very hard time, and they ask for privacy and space.”
Keegan won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979 and is remembered as one of English football’s greatest players.
He played mainly in England for clubs like Scunthorpe United, Liverpool—where he won the 1977 European Cup—Southampton, and Newcastle United.
After winning the European Cup, he spent three years with Hamburg, helping them win the Bundesliga in 1979 and reach the European Cup final the next year.
For England, he scored 21 goals in 61 appearances and captained the team for six years. He played in the 1982 World Cup, but the team missed the previous two.
After retiring in 1985, Keegan became a successful manager, taking over Newcastle in 1992. He led the team to the 1992/93 First Division title, which brought them to the Premier League’s second season.
He was known for bringing an exciting attacking style and giving young players a chance at St. James’ Park. Newcastle came close to winning the Premier League in 1996 under his leadership.
Keegan left in 1997, managed Fulham, and then became England’s manager in 1999. He stepped down after Euro 2000 and also managed Manchester City and Newcastle again before retiring from management in 2008.
Later, he worked in the media, including covering the 2010 World Cup, and became a popular after-dinner speaker at charity events.
He was outspoken about former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and successfully won a claim against him after leaving the club in 2008.
In 2025, Keegan named current Newcastle players Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn in his Newcastle ‘Entertainers’ team from the 1990s.
Known affectionately as “King Kev” by Newcastle fans, the club paid tribute soon after his passing.
“We are heartbroken to hear of Kevin Keegan’s passing, one of the most loved and influential figures in our history,” they said.
“Kevin was more than a football legend. He was the heart of Newcastle United for many fans.
“As a player, he brought amazing skill and hope to the club. As a manager, he inspired the city with a style and passion that football fans admire worldwide.”
Newcastle said they will carefully plan a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy at the right time.
The England national team also shared on X (Twitter): “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Keegan OBE.
“He earned 63 caps and scored 21 goals for England between 1972 and 1982, then managed the Three Lions from 1999 to 2000.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends, and former clubs during this difficult time.”