Tributes paid as family confirm Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75

Tributes hare being paid as family confirm the sad news that former footballer and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75.

Just two months ago, he gave an update on his cancer battle and said he wanted to say a proper ‘goodbye’ to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Back in January 2026, the football world were saddened after it was revealed that Kevin had been receiving treatment for stomach cancer, after being admitted to hospital, suffering with abdominal symptoms.

BREAKING: Former England footballer and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75.

Latest: https://t.co/b1UXJ7Ttiq

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/07khgGtzGf

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 20, 2026

My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss 🥲 https://t.co/3meHtqeB71

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 20, 2026

A statement from his family, on the 20th of July, said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“A double Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin 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.”

England wrote: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.

“Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”

We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.

Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and… pic.twitter.com/0KnE01CHN0

— England (@England) July 20, 2026

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… pic.twitter.com/oaWnsiUx5k

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 20, 2026

Manchester City: “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.”

Southampton FC tweeted: “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.”

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. pic.twitter.com/l0asyUnVC2

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 20, 2026

Newcastle United said via their website: “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.

“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.”

KEVIN KEEGAN’S CAREER:

Senior career1968–1971 – Scunthorpe United – 141 games (22 goals)1971–1977 – Liverpool – 323 games (100 goals)1977–1980 – Hamburger SV – 113 games (40 goals)1980–1982 – Southampton – 80 games (42 goals)1982–1984 – Newcastle United – 85 games (49 goals)1985 – Blacktown City – 2 games (1 goal)Total – 744 games (254 goals)

International career1972 – England U23 – 5 games (1 goals)1972–1982 – England – 63 games (21 goals)

Managerial careerNewcastle United – 5 Feb 1992 until 8 Jan 1997 – G251 – W138 – D51 – L62 – 54.98 win %Fulham – 7 May 1998 until 9 May 1999 – G61 – W38 – D12 – L11 – 62.30 win %England – 18 February 1999 until 7 Oct 2000 – G18 – W7 – D7 – L4 – 38.89 win %Manchester City – 24 May 2001 until 11 Mar 2005 – G176 – W77 – D39 – L60 – 43.75 win %Newcastle United – 16 Jan 2008 until 4 Sep 2008 – G22 – W7 – D6 – L9 – 31.82 win %Total – G528 – W267 – D115 – L146 – 50.57 win %

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Tributes are being paid as family confirm the sad news that Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75…

@samuelluckhurst: Kevin Keegan was such a lovely man. Was taken to Ascot as a 12-year-old and participated in a soccer school that he got involved in. Keegan was more enthusiastic than some of the kids and it wasn’t long after the Euro 2000 fallout. Was a buzz to interview him (not aged 12) and he was so understated whenever out in Hale Village. No doubt others had purely positive experiences with him. RIP.

@cetincem: One of the biggest legends of Liverpool’s greatest era. The only Englishman to win two Ballon d’Or awards. Actually only one of 10 footballers ever to win multiple Ballons d’Or. RIP Kevin Keegan

@JoshuaKekana: A legendary player and human. Was honoured to be in his presence at a taping of A League of Their Own and he was top class. Rest in peace Kevin Keegan. You’ll Never Walk Alone 🙏❤️

@Julianp74848552: Very sad news about Kevin Keegan. A top player for club and country. Brought his immense passion for football onto the field and the dug out. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

@BrianDurand56: Some news hits hard. Thank you Kevin Keegan for all the special moments in a red shirt. It was obvious from first minutes of his debut v Forest that he was going to be a fan favourite. He turned into a genuine superstar with effort, skill & personality in abundance. Love you KK

@jamesaknight: The Kevin Keegan era at Newcastle was when the Premier League was at its absolute peak for me. And somehow, even as a United fan, I was a bit sad that he never got that team over the line. Great character who made football fun. Rest in peace.

RIP Kevin KeeganYou definitely made it in football.#KevinKeegan pic.twitter.com/YyoWtT6Ml9

— TV Football 1968-92 (@1968Tv) July 20, 2026

Saw Kevin Keegan talk a few weeks ago and despite everything he was going through, he was a total class act and so funny. You could tell it meant a lot for him to still be out there sharing stories. RIP. pic.twitter.com/GX9cnVmM0S

— Josh Coyne (@poundcoyne) July 20, 2026

Former England player and manager Kevin Keegan has died aged 75. pic.twitter.com/VLWaADRrCd

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 20, 2026

The EFL is 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 impact as a player and manager.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. ❤️#EFL pic.twitter.com/4K763d7tgH

— EFL (@EFL) July 20, 2026

Once in a while you get someone who so extraordinary special someone who inspires a generation!One of the greatest footballersOne of the greatest managersOne of the greatest men

will only ever be one Kevin Keegan RIP pic.twitter.com/s8BnGHnPK5

— MitchyTries (@MitchyTries) July 20, 2026

2 – Kevin Keegan is the only English player to win the Ballon d’Or on multiple occasions, claiming the title in 1978 & 1979.

Legend. pic.twitter.com/QgRwmdTrdM

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 20, 2026

RIP Kevin Keegan. A great England player and an exciting player to watch. He scored the first ever goal I saw live for England. My thoughts are with all his friends and family. He gave happiness to so many football fans. This photo was in 1996. He was always good with us fans. pic.twitter.com/3BzFpy7t8M

— Douglas Bagley (@dougbagleyfdl) July 20, 2026