England football legend dies aged 75 after cancer diagnosis as Newcastle, Manchester City, Liverpool, Fulham and Southampton lead tributes

Newcastle have paid tribute to the « remarkable » Kevin Keegan after the legendary former England striker and head coach, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, died aged 75.

The Keegan family announced in January that the three-time top-flight winner must begin treatment after being diagnosed with stage four cancer.

« It is with great sadness that we announce this Kevin Keegan passed away at the age of 75, » the family said in a statement on Monday.

« The first one England player and manager was battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“Kevin, double The golden ball winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s amazing medical team for all their support.

« Times are extremely difficult and they want space and privacy. »

Kevin Keegan ‘Inspired Dreams’ – Newcastle

Seven years after his glittering playing career ended, Keegan took on his first coaching role, becoming manager of Newcastle in February 1992 and guiding the Magpies to safety in the second tier.

Keegan won promotion with the club the following season and, in the final season of his first spell in charge, led Newcastle to a huge lead at the top of the 1996/97 Premier League before they were beaten by Manchester United in a classic title battle.

« Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager, » the club said in a statement.

« He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters. As a player (between 1982 and 1984) 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 set our city on fire. Kevin gave hope and pride to supporters and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world.

« He was much more than an entertainer. Above all, Kevin built an extraordinary relationship with Newcastle, built on his father Joe’s roots.

« He understood our people. He embraced the Northeast with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions. »

Kevin Keegan Career: Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle, England

After starting his career at Scunthorpe United, Keegan joined Liverpool under iconic manager Bill Shankly in 1971.

As well as domestic glory, Keegan’s achievements at Anfield included winning the European Cup – now the Champions League – and the UEFA Cup, now the Europa League. Here’s the full list.

Competition	Titles
First Division of the Football League	1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77
FA Cup	1973/74
FA Charity Shield	1974, 1976
European Cup	1976/77
UEFA Cup	1972/73, 1975/76

Keegan joined Hamburg in 1977, winning the Ballon d’Or in back-to-back seasons with the German side, as well as the Bundesliga in 1979 and reaching the final of the European Cup in 1980.

Southampton signed Keegan in 1980 and he was the club’s Player of the Season in 1981/82, repeating this feat in both of his Newcastle campaigns.

« Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as a Ballon d’Or winner and has brought great joy to fans at (former stadium) The Dell and across the footballing world, » Southampton said in a statement, saying they were « devastated » by the news.

« Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. »

International career of Kevin Keegan

An England debutant in 1972, Keegan captained his country from 1976 until his retirement after the 1982 World Cup.

England also reached EURO 1980 with Keegan in attack, but failed to reach the knockout stages of either of the two major tournaments in which he appeared.

A back injury limited Keegan to one World Cup appearance and he finished with 21 goals in 63 appearances, only 18 players ever surpassing him for the national team.

Kevin Keegan: Newcastle, Fulham, England, Man City manager

After that memorable first spell in charge at Newcastle, the man known as ‘King Kev’ joined Fulham in a senior role in 1997 and took over as manager ahead of the Cottagers’ second tier play-off campaign in 1997/98.

The club won promotion to the Premier League as champions in 1998/99. Keegan combined his role with taking charge of England from February 1999.

The charismatic figure left Fulham at the end of that season to concentrate fully on England, although the Three Lions failed to progress from their group at EURO 2000 despite a first win over Germany since 1966.

A World Cup qualifying defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium in October 2000 led to Keegan’s immediate resignation, returning to football as Manchester City boss in 2001.

City adopted a cavalier style typical of Keegan on their way to the second-tier champions in 2001/02, and he managed them in the Premier League until his departure in March 2005.

To the delight of supporters, Newcastle re-appointed Keegan in January 2008. He left eight months later, with widespread reports of tension with the club’s hierarchy.

« Kevin’s influence will not be measured by appearances or results, » Newcastle’s statement added after his death.

« He will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him. »

« At this extremely sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. »

« We mourn the loss of a true giant of our history. At the appropriate time, we will carefully consider how to shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy. »

Kevin Keegan pays tribute: England ‘incredibly saddened’

In a statement, England offered their « thoughts and condolences » to Keegan’s family, friends and the footballing world, adding: « We are incredibly saddened by the news. »

One of Keegan’s best players at club and international level, Alan Shearer, called him « my hero ».

« My manager, » Shearer said. « Dude. Sleep tight boss. »

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher described Keegan as « one of the greatest players this country has ever produced » and « an absolute giant of the English game ».

« One of the most important people who made Liverpool what it is today, » said Carragher.

Here’s a selection of more of the Keegan tributes from across football.

Liverpool: « We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss.

« His indomitable spirit and remarkable contributions will forever be etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin. »

Manchester City: « Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away aged 75.

“Kevin was a transformational manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.

“The 2001/02 promotion campaign will never be forgotten and after that Kevin re-established us as a leading team in the Premier League in the following years.

« Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time. »

Manchester United: « We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kevin Keegan.

“A giant of English football, he was a valued figure at the highest levels of the game.

« Our condolences go out to Kevin’s family, loved ones and all those he inspired as a manager, player and person, on and off the pitch. Rest in peace Kevin. »

Fulham: “We are incredibly saddened to hear the news that our former manager, Kevin Keegan, has passed away.

« A legend of the game … our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. »

EFL: « I am saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan.

« A legend of the English game, Keegan will be remembered by generations of football fans for his influence as a player and manager. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. »