Kevin Keegan, the former England and Newcastle manager and a two-time European Footballer of the Year, has died aged 75. Keegan’s family confirmed in January that he had cancer. Seven weeks before his death, Keegan said the illness had reached stage four, describing it as the most advanced form of the disease. In a statement, his family said he was “much loved” and that they wished to thank his medical team, adding that they were requesting space and privacy during a “hugely difficult time”. Cancer diagnosis and tributesTributes flowed from former players and prominent figures after his death. Alan Shearer, who worked with Keegan at Newcastle and England, wrote on social media that Keegan was his hero, manager and friend, adding: “Sleep easy Boss.” Faustino Asprilla, the Colombian former Newcastle forward, said he was deeply saddened, describing Keegan as more than a manager and suggesting that his approach to the game carried wider lessons beyond winning. Newcastle said Keegan was “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures” in the club’s history, describing him as the “beating heart” of generations of supporters. Liverpool also paid tribute, saying Keegan’s “indomitable spirit” and contribution would remain part of the club’s history. Prince William said he was “incredibly saddened” by Keegan’s passing, calling him a remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations through his talent, passion and love of the game. By late Monday afternoon, Newcastle fans left floral tributes outside St James’ Park. Liverpool’s golden runKeegan began his career at Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971, signed by Bill Shankly for £33,000. He quickly earned the nickname “King Kev”, becoming a key attacking figure in Liverpool’s dominance through the 1970s. Liverpool won three First Division titles, the FA Cup, the Uefa Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup during that period, with Keegan’s performances central to their success. Keegan often described himself as not a natural talent, saying he worked to reach the top level. He credited Shankly with shaping his mindset, including a lesson about keeping standards high in whichever job you were given. Ballon d’Or and international careerKeegan left Liverpool in 1977 for Hamburg, where he became the only British player to win the Ballon d’Or twice. He returned to England in 1980, adding further playing spells with Southampton and Newcastle before retiring in 1984. He won 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals, and took part in the 1982 World Cup. Later life and managementKeegan was known for intensity on the pitch as well as a reluctance to accept deception. He was sent off during the 1974 Charity Shield after a scrap with Leeds’ Billy Bremner, and later spoke about disliking what he saw as people being dishonest. While he embraced a private life, he also became a public figure beyond football. He featured in mainstream media including the BBC’s Superstars, recorded a hit single titled Head Over Heels in Love, and became associated with the aftershave Brut 33. He also became close to George Best, speaking admiringly of Best’s ability. After retiring at 33, Keegan moved to Spain, where his two daughters grew up. He said he had initially not been open with them about his football background and referred to the period as the “glass mountain” — a challenge of adjusting after competing at the highest level. In management, Keegan returned to Newcastle in 1992, helping them reach the Premier League and coming close to the 1995-96 title, only to miss out as Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United finished top. A post-match “I will love it” outburst from that campaign became part of English football folklore. He later became England manager in 1999, resigning after a disappointing Euro 2000 and a defeat by Germany at Wembley following the tournament. The Football Association has said it will mark Keegan with a tribute before England’s Nations League match against Spain at Wembley in September. Keegan also coached at Fulham and Manchester City, where the club on Monday credited him with helping establish them as a Premier League side. He returned to Newcastle in 2008 but departed eight months later after strained relations with owner Mike Ashley and the board. A tribunal later awarded him £2m damages in 2009 for constructive dismissal. Keegan was made an OBE in 1982 for services to football. In June, during a Tyneside appearance, he discussed wanting to return to St James’ Park to say “goodbye”, joking the club would need to “wait until I die” for a statue, as he said treatment at the time was keeping his cancer at bay. Newcastle said his impact would not be judged by appearances or results, arguing instead that his legacy would live on through memories, dreams he inspired and the supporters who fell in love with football through him. Join the discussion? 20 July 2026
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