Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his family has confirmed. The football legend passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, just seven weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. His family announced he was "surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments".
Keegan's family first disclosed he was battling cancer in January 2026 after he underwent further evaluation for ongoing abdominal symptoms. In June, he publicly revealed he had developed stage four cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease.
A statement on behalf of the Keegan family said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. 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".
Born in Armthorpe, near Doncaster, Keegan began his professional career at Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1971. During his six-year spell at Anfield, he won three league titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup. He later moved to Hamburg in Germany, where he won the Bundesliga and claimed back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards in 1978 and 1979. He remains one of only four English players to have won the prestigious award.
On the international stage, Keegan earned 63 caps for England and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982. He captained the Three Lions 31 times and played at the 1982 World Cup. He later managed the national team from February 1999 to October 2000, leading England to Euro 2000.
As a manager, Keegan is best remembered for his transformative spell at Newcastle United. He took charge in 1992 and guided the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1993. His attacking brand of football earned the team the nickname 'The Entertainers', and they famously challenged for the Premier League title in the 1995-96 season. He also managed Fulham and Manchester City, and had a second, brief stint at Newcastle in 2008.
Newcastle United paid tribute, describing Keegan as "one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club's history". The club added: "Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters". Alan Shearer, who played under Keegan for both Newcastle and England, wrote on social media: "My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss".
Liverpool, for whom Keegan played between 1971 and 1977, said his "indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on". Manchester City, where he managed from 2001 to 2005, credited him with establishing them as a Premier League club. England Football also offered their condolences, remembering a popular figure who won 63 caps for his country.
Kevin Keegan's death marks the passing of one of the most influential figures of his generation in English football. He was 75.
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