Football legend Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
The former England player and manager, who was also a star player at Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle, was diagnosed with stage four cancer in January.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a statement from Keegan's family read. "The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
"Kevin, a double Ballon D'or winner, 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."
Most revered for his feats as a manager at Newcastle and as a player at Liverpool, Keegan forged a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two Uefa Cups as well as two Bundesliga titles between the years of 1968 and 1984. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979.
Read MoreKevin Keegan death: England football legend dies aged 75
Kevin Keegan tributes pour in as Alan Shearer hails ‘hero and friend’ after death at 75
Keegan, Ferguson, Cantona and a collapse: The inside story of the 1995/96 title race
KEVIN KEEGAN DIES - LATEST UPDATES
- Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75
- A statement from Keegan's family revealed the news on Monday
- The England legend was diagnosed with stage four cancer in January
- Thomas Tuchel releases statement in tribute
- Keegan also won the Ballon d'Or twice in 1978 and 1979
Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 - full story
15:58 , Kieran JacksonKevin Keegan, the legendary former England footballer and manager, has died at the age of 75.
It was announced in January that Keegan had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, with his family revealing he was to begin treatment.
A statement was published on behalf of the Keegan family by the Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, confirming Keegan had passed away while surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
Full story below:
England football legend Kevin Keegan dies aged 75
Tony Blair tribute
19:40 , Will CastleTony Blair's tribute to Kevin Keegan. pic.twitter.com/QZSE4JMVyW
— Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (@InstituteGC) July 20, 2026
Bayern Munich statement
19:30 , Will Castle“FC Bayern joins the football family in mourning Kevin Keegan, an icon of this sport who has thrilled generations of fans – in England, in Germany, around the world,” Bayern wrote in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. His contribution to football will remain unforgettable – rest in peace, ‘Mighty Mouse’!”
Premier League: 'Keegan's impact will never be forgotten'
19:20 , Will Castle“Everyone at the Premier League is deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Keegan OBE at the age of 75,” a statement read.
“Keegan was a much-loved and highly respected figure in global football. After a stellar playing career marked by the highest team and individual honours, he went on to manage Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City as well as the England men's national team. His impact on the Premier League will never be forgotten.”
“The thoughts of all at the Premier League are with his family, friends and all the clubs he represented.”
Everyone at the Premier League is deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Keegan OBE at the age of 75
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 20, 2026
Keegan was a much-loved and highly respected figure in global football. After a stellar playing career marked by the highest team and individual honours, he went on to manage… pic.twitter.com/y29mWc63zb
Liverpool's touching tribute video
19:10 , Will CastleRest in peace, Kevin Keegan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iBKipxY6c2
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 20, 2026
Football commentator Ian Darke pays tribute:
19:00 , Kieran Jackson“BBC sent me to cover Newcastle signing Kevin Keegan. He was sitting on a wall outside St James Park signing autographs. Must have been 3000 fans there.
“Asked him for an interview . He said: ‘Sure but wait til I have signed for each and every one.’ He was there 3 hours. Top bloke.”
BBC sent me to cover Newcastle signing Kevin Keegan. He was sitting on a wall outside St James Park signing autographs. Must have been 3000 fans there. Asked him for an interview . He said ‘ sure but wait til I have signed for each and everyone ‘. He was there 3 hours. Top bloke.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) July 20, 2026
VIDEO: Keegan tribute
18:52 , Kieran JacksonMan Utd statement
18:45 , Kieran Jackson“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Kevin Keegan.
“A giant of English football, he was a cherished figure at the very highest levels of the game.Our condolences go 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.”
We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Kevin Keegan. A giant of English football, he was a cherished figure at the very highest levels of the game.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 20, 2026
Our condolences go to Kevin’s family, loved ones and all those he inspired as a manager, player and person, on and off the… pic.twitter.com/KpZykfpTQs
Faustino Asprilla tribute
18:38 , Kieran JacksonAsprilla played under Keegan at Newcastle United:
…Today is a day I never wanted to see. I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin wasn’t just a football manager to me—he was the man who introduced me to the Premier League and made me fall in love with the beautiful city of Newcastle… pic.twitter.com/sTc0Wvgqju
— Faustino Asprilla (@TinoasprillaH) July 20, 2026
Newcastle detail St James' Park plans + delay of club's away kit
18:23 , Kieran Jackson“We have been deeply moved by the many tributes being paid to Kevin Keegan and know that many supporters will wish to honour his memory at St. James’ Park.
“Those who would like to leave flowers, scarves or other tributes can do so at the South West Corner of the stadium. We kindly ask everyone to follow the directions of club staff when visiting.
“While we understand that many people would like to enter the stadium, we are unfortunately unable to open the stadium bowl at this time due to ongoing works taking place within the bowl and overhead.
“We appreciate your understanding as we continue to ensure the safety of everyone. We will be providing details shortly on where supporters can sign a book of condolence.
“Please also note that the scheduled launch of the club's new away kit, due to be tomorrow, has been postponed until Friday.”
Former Newcastle striker Micky Quinn on Keegan:
18:16 , Kieran Jackson"It feels me up with warmth, Kevin took it to another level, as a player and a manager, he's the people's champion.
“He's been a theme throughout my life, as a Liverpool fan, I idolised him, then as a racehorse owner, I met Kevin going racing, then I worked professionally with him, he was my manager at Newcastle, then after football, we were on the dinner circuit. There would be 500 people there, he'd speak to everyone individually. He was a proper, proper fella.
"Kevin was one of the few who connected, especially with Newcastle fans, he had in abundance, passion, he gave everything. He got within a whisker of winning a Premier League, with one of the best footballing teams to not win a Premier League. He loved the fans.
“A working class connection, very few ever get that connection, that love and warmth from fans and back. They adored him."
Hamburg statement:
18:09 , Kieran Jackson“We mourn the loss of Kevin Keegan.The English football icon has passed away at the age of 75 due to the consequences of his cancer illness.
“With Kevin Keegan, world football loses one of its most defining personalities.
“We will always cherish an honorable memory of our former championship player and two-time Ballon d'Or winner.Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who accompanied him on his journey. Rest in peace, ‘Mighty Mouse.’”
Wir trauern um Kevin Keegan. 🔷
— Hamburger SV (@HSV) July 20, 2026
Die englische Fußballikone ist im Alter von 75 Jahren an den Folgen seiner Krebserkrankung verstorben. Mit Kevin Keegan verliert der Weltfußball eine seiner prägendsten Persönlichkeiten. Wir werden unserem ehemaligen Meisterspieler und zweifachen… pic.twitter.com/NarrPpTnzr
John Aldridge pays tribute to Liverpool icon Kevin Keegan
18:02 , Jack Rathborn"We had a player before Kevin, Roger Hunt, he was a demigod at Anfield, but when he left, we waited for the big one to arrive,” John Aldridge told Sky Sports.
“I was at his first game, he played wing-back, he was unbelievable, from that game onward, he got better and better, he became iconic. It took a layer of Dalglish to take over, the pressure he gave me and kids in the Kop, I was lucky to watch Kev fro '71 to the day he left for Hamburg, there's a saying, 'never meet your heroes', I've been lucky enough to meet mine, he surpassed everything, an amazing bloke, to become what he was, a fantastic player, a workaholic, even in his 30s, you're never too late to learn, I took his words, I loved Kevin Keegan, like many Liverpool supporters, it's so sad.
“He had such a burden on the young lads, young England fans, Newcastle fans, wherever he went, he gave everything he had in his body to the club he was associated with."
Keegan Ballon d'Or's run
17:55 , Kieran JacksonKevin Keegan is the only English player to win the Ballon d'Or on multiple occasions, claiming the title in 1978 & 1979.
Fulham statement:
17:50 , Kieran Jackson“We're incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away. A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999.
“He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
We're incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away.
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 20, 2026
A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999.
He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager.… pic.twitter.com/XVT7KF5mjc
Legendary broadcaster Martin Tyler pays tribute to Kevin Keegan
17:43 , Jack Rathborn“You knew he was in the room, on the pitch, my career was empowered a bit by him. The work rate, at Scunthorpe, they have training runs, they were quite gruelling, many older players would dodge the hard work, Kevin never did that, he ran every inch of that training ground,” Tyler tells Sky Sports.
"He was always busy on the pitch and he was remarkable company. He was very lovable. To win two Ballon d'Ors, the only Englishman to have done that, it speaks for itself.
"He was quite emotional, same as a player. Sometimes it went for him, sometimes it didn't. When he was manager of England, I said come and have a chat with me, maybe I'd wait for an hour, he signed every autograph. The story, at Scunthorpe, he was a fan, one player refused his autograph, when Kevin asked for it, he was determined to never refuse if he became a player and he never did."
Prince William releases statement:
17:36 , Kieran Jackson“Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan,” he said.
“A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.
“Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.”
Keegan, Ferguson, Cantona and a collapse: The inside story of the 1995/96 title race
17:30 , Kieran JacksonChief Football Writer Miguel Delaney on one of the best-ever Premier League title races:
Keegan, Fergie, Cantona and a collapse: The inside story of the 1995/96 title race
Scunthorpe statement
17:27 , Kieran Jackson“Everyone at Scunthorpe United is devastated to hear of the passing of former player Kevin Keegan at the age of 75.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all of "King Kev's" family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
🕊️ 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐌: 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧
— Scunthorpe United FC (@SUFCOfficial) July 20, 2026
Everyone at Scunthorpe United is devastated to hear of the passing of former player Kevin Keegan at the age of 75 👉 https://t.co/uF2Ie31aLf
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all of "King Kev's" family, friends… pic.twitter.com/SKfbfPA45z
Tuchel: 'Keegan was first England superstar I remember watching'
17:24 , Kieran JacksonThe England manager has released a statement about Keegan’s sad passing:
"I am so sad to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan," said Tuchel.
"As a young football fan, he was the first England superstar I can remember watching growing up.
"He won every honour possible and to be named the best player in the world two times was an unbelievable achievement. You only need to think how fondly he is remembered by supporters at his clubs to see what a man he was. Of course, he also had that special experience of playing, captaining and managing his country.
"My thoughts are with his family and friends today, and all the fans who loved to watch him play.
"I know we will pay him a full tribute when we welcome Spain to Wembley Stadium in September. We will be honouring a true hero of English football.”
Shearer pays tribute to 'friend'
17:18 , Kieran JacksonMy Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss 🥲 https://t.co/3meHtqeB71
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 20, 2026
Speaking in 2011 on his time at Liverpool:
17:10 , Kieran Jackson"Liverpool made me, not just as a footballer but as a person.
“The people I met – Shanks, Tommy Smith, Ian Callaghan, Ron Yeats – all these people you take something from. The fans made me. When they started singing my name… what am I, five foot seven with Cuban-heeled boots?
“But [because of them] I was six foot six."
John Aldridge tribute
17:04 , Kieran JacksonFormer Liverpool player John Aldridge wrote: “He gave me great joy in my teens has a huge LFC fan, and the saying says never meet your heroes? Well I did!
“Roger Hunt and KK and they surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with all his family.
“God bless Kevin, YNWA.”
Keegan: 'I will love it if we beat them'
16:58 , Kieran JacksonGary Neville on Keegan rant:
16:51 , Kieran Jackson"He loved his players, he really protected them, he was a man of integrity and honestly and Sir Alex was obviously poking like you would do in the run-in,” Gary Neville told 'The Football Show' in 2020.
“But the reality is that Kevin would always react like that in any circumstance, that is the type of character he is and that is the type of person he is, people react differently.
“But at the time, just as with the Rafa Benitez 'Facts' speech, if you do not win after having an interview like that, you then go down the 'You've lost the mind games' in terms of the pressure. And that is what happened at the time.
"But it is compelling TV and when you think of the managers over the years that you love to listen to at the end of matches, they really give you something, then Kevin Keegan was one of those guys."
Kevin Keegan rant: The story behind Newcastle manager’s ‘I would love it’ outburst 25 years ago
16:45 , Kieran JacksonRead Karl Matchett’s feature, from 2021, on one of Keegan’s most iconic moments:
Kevin Keegan had his team in a fierce Premier League title race in 1996 with Manchester United which went to the wire, with Leeds United being the unwitting team at the centre of a battle both on and off the pitch.
It all led to Keegan taking the microphone in a post-match interview on Sky Sports and delivering what has become widely referred to as his rant, aimed at Alex Ferguson, as the strain of being involved in the pursuit of glory started to take its toll.
The story behind Kevin Keegan’s infamous rant, 25 years on
Jamie Carragher pays tribute:
16:36 , Kieran Jackson“RIP Kevin Keegan.
“One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d'Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.
“One of the most important men in making Liverpool Football Club what it is today.”
Keegan for England - player and manager
16:30 , Kieran JacksonHis England career, however, was affected by the side’s inability to qualify for tournaments, and injury. Keegan earned 63 caps for the national side, scoring 21 goals and captained the team on 31 occasions until his international retirement after the 1982 World Cup.
But that career amounted to just one World Cup appearance, for 26 minutes as England were knocked out by Spain in 1982, with the forward dealing with a back injury that prevented him featuring in the group stages.
He was appointed England manager in February 1999. He memorably resigned after defeat at the hands of Germany in the last match played at the old Wembley, resigning five minutes after the match after just 20 months in charge.
Liverpool tribute
16:24 , Kieran Jackson“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan.
“The former Reds No.7, who appeared 323 times and scored 100 goals for the club across six seasons, died at the age of 75 on Monday after being diagnosed with cancer last year.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin's family and friends at this hugely difficult time.
“One of just four Englishmen to win the Ballon d'Or, Keegan also represented Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United during a playing career in which he was regarded as a hero wherever he went.
Man City tribute
16:17 , Kieran JacksonKeegan was a popular figure as manager at Man City from 2001-2005.
“Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75.
“Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.
“The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Keegan at Liverpool
16:10 , Kieran JacksonIn 1971, Keegan had caught the eye of Liverpool’s chief scout Geoff Twentyman, and he was signed by Bill Shankly for a reported figure of £35,000, having scored 18 goals in 124 appearances in the midfield for Scunthorpe.
Shankly cultivated Keegan’s talent, reportedly telling him after just three days of training at Melwood “you will play for England”, something that in fact happened only the following year when Keegan made his debut against Wales at Cardiff.
Keegan joined Liverpool at a time Shankly was cultivating what would become one of the dominant forces in European football, and when he left in 1978 for Hamburg there were not many pieces of silverware the club had not lifted.
In his 230 appearances for the club and 68 goals, Keegan had three league titles, two Uefa cups, one FA Cup, and one European cup, won in his final season, and under Shankly’s successor, Paisley.
Southampton statement:
16:03 , Kieran JacksonKeegan played for Southampton 68 times, scoring 37 goals, from 1980-1982.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Keegan's career highlights:
15:53 , Kieran Jackson- Most revered for his feats as a manager at Newcastle and as a player at Liverpool, Keegan forged a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two Uefa Cups as well as two Bundesliga titles between the years of 1968 and 1984.
- He won two Ballon d’Ors in 1978 and 1979.
- Keegan’s traits as a forward was founded on his pace and ability with the ball, and he formed a formidable strike partnership with John Toshack, and was at the heart of Liverpool’s prosperous side in the 1970s under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.
- As a manager, Keegan took Newcastle from the second tier into the Premier League and to their best-ever second finish, earning the nickname ‘King Kev’, and signed some of the club’s most iconic players, including Alan Shearer.
- Aside from an iconic 1970’s bubble perm, Keegan is arguably best known for his “I will love it” rant from 1996, when he took the bait and publicly criticised Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments, although Manchester United had the last laugh when they went on to win the league title, with the Magpies finishing second.
Newcastle statement cont.
15:47 , Kieran Jackson“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It 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 profoundly 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 alongside him.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Rest in peace, King Kev.”
Newcastle statement on Keegan:
15:43 , Kieran JacksonThe club he was most revered as a player and a manager, Newcastle United have released a statement:
“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.
“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. He was so much more than an Entertainer...
Keegan family statement
15:40 , Kieran JacksonThe family released a statement at 3:13pm on Monday:
"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
"Kevin, a double Ballon D'or winner, 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."
Kevin Keegan dies
15:38 , Kieran JacksonThis is a rolling news blog with reaction after the sad news of the death of England, Liverpool and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan.
