Kevin Keegan dead at 75: Football legend passes away following battle with cancer as devastated family pay heartbreaking tribute to England icon

Newcastle and England legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after a short battle with illness.

Keegan was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with abdominal problems.

In a statement, his family said: ‘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.’

Keegan leaves behind his wife, Jean, and their two daughters. Keegan met Jean on the Waltzers at Doncaster fair in 1970. They married four years later and had two daughters. 

In a statement, Newcastle said: ‘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.

‘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.’

Liverpool added: ‘Liverpool FC is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan. Our ‘Mighty Mouse’, his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history. Rest in peace, Kevin Keegan’

Keegan was admitted to hospital due to ‘ongoing abdominal symptoms’, a statement from his family said in January.

‘These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment,’ it added.

However, he looked sprightly when he returned to public life in May. Keegan told an audience in Newcastle that he was responding well to treatment after being assured ‘we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got’.

‘He [the doctor] was a Liverpool supporter, so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.’

Keegan began his playing career at Scunthorpe in 1968, before moving to Liverpool to play for Bill Shankly three years later.

Keegan negotiated a contract worth £50 a week – Shankly had originally offered him £45.

It marked the beginning of a glorious playing career where he won 63 caps for England – captaining the Three Lions on 31 occasions.

The attacker won the First Division three times, the European Cup once and the UEFA Cup twice during a six-year stint at Liverpool.

He then moved to Germany to play for Hamburg and was named European Footballer of the Year in both 1978 and 1979. He added to the trophy cabinet in Germany, too, winning the Bundesliga and reaching the 1980 European Cup final.

Doncaster-born Keegan returned home after three years in Germany and spent time at Southampton and Newcastle – who he would later go on to manage. He rounded off his playing days with two appearances for Australian semi-professional side Blacktown City.

Keegan scored 204 goals in 592 career appearances across six clubs in a stellar career. 

Alongside being iconic on the pitch, he produced his fair share of legendary moments off it too.

While Newcastle boss in 1996, Keegan launched a tirade on Manchester United during the heat of the Premier League title race.

Newcastle had let a 12-point lead slip at the top of the table with United moving six points clear after beating 10-man Leeds United 1-0 in April 1996.

Leeds played the majority of the game with defender Lucas Radebe in goal, which prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to question the Yorkshire side’s integrity and whether they would show the same grit against Keegan’s Newcastle.

Newcastle responded by beating Leeds 1-0 to move three points behind Man Utd with a match in hand, and only two left to play.

But Keegan let the pressure of the title race get to him in his post-match interview, accusing United of being ‘slanderous’ and screaming ‘I will love it if we beat them, love it’. 

His managerial career produced its fair share of bizarre moments. 

In 1999 Keegan succeeded Glenn Hoddle as England boss but resigned in 2000 following a disappointing European Championship campaign and a loss to Germany at the old Wembley.

Keegan famously resigned in the tunnel following the drab defeat to Germany in October 2000. Following a brutal reception from the England fans, he told his players in the dressing room that he was stepping down before confirming his resignation to FA director David Davies in a nearby stadium toilet cubicle. 

He guided Newcastle to the Football League First Division title during the first of two stints at St James’ Park and came close to lifting the Premier League, only to be pipped by Manchester United.

He would go on to oversee promotions to the top flight for both Fulham and City.