LAST UPDATE | 8 hrs ago

TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to former England and Newcastle United football manager Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75. 

A statement shared on behalf of 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.”

In June, Keegan shared that he had stage four cancer. It came six months after his family first announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer. 

Newcastle United said everyone at the club was “devastated” to learn of Keegan’s death, describing him as “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history”.

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.

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 20, 2026

“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters,” the club said in a statement. 

Liverpool football club said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of Keegan’s death.

His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. 

Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher called Keegan “one of the greatest players this country has ever produced” and “one of the most important men” in making the football club what it is today.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Everton, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds and Southampton were among the other clubs to post tributes to Keegan on social media.

The Premier League said Keegan was “a much-loved and highly respected figure in global football”.

“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,” the statement said.

In a statement, England football said: “We 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 Three Lions from 1999 to 2000. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”

Rest in peace, Kevin Keegan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iBKipxY6c2

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 20, 2026

Born in Doncaster, Keegan began his career with Scunthorpe before he was signed to Liverpool under manager Bill Shankly in 1971.

While at Anfield, Keegan struck up a formidable partnership with Welshman John Toshack, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the Uefa Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.

He transferred to German side Hamburg in summer 1977. The club’s fans dubbed him ‘Mighty Mouse’ as a tribute to his strength, particularly in the air, given his 5ft 7in height.

Hamburg won the German title in 1979 and then reached the 1980 European Cup final, where they were beaten by Nottingham Forest. Keegan won the Ballon d’Or – then called the European Footballer of the Year – twice while at Hamburg. 

In a statement, the club said: “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”.”

After leaving Hamburg, Keegan surprisingly joined Southampton in 1980 before finishing his playing career with Newcastle, where his love affair with the Geordie fans was born during their 1984 promotion-winning campaign.

His profile went beyond the sports world. He starred in a public information film for the Green Cross Code in 1976 and even recorded a song ‘Head Over Heels In Love’ in 1979, that he performed on iconic BBC programme Top of the Pops.

On the international stage, he scored 21 goals in 63 England appearances and played at the 1982 World Cup finals.

Kevin Keegan playing for England in 1979. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

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

As a manager, Keegan took charge of former club Newcastle in 1992 and led them into the Premier League.

They came close to winning the 1995-96 title, but missed out to Manchester United. One of Keegan’s most famous moments came during this title race, after Man United manager and rival Alex Ferguson made comments that he did not agree with. 

After Newcastle beat Leeds 1-0 and moved to three points behind the leaders Man United in the league, Ferguson suggested that other teams were “cheating their manager” by not trying as hard to beat Newcastle as they did his club.

Keegan reacted angrily in a subsequent interview with Sky Sports, saying: “I will love it if we beat them. Love it.” But his team didn’t beat them. Man United took the title, finishing four points ahead of the Magpies. 

After Keegan left the club in 1997, he went on to have a spell as Fulham boss before becoming England manager in 1999.

However, after overseeing a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, he resigned following a World Cup qualifying defeat to Germany. He memorably handed in his resignation in a toilet in the dressing room at Wembley following the defeat. 

Keegan then took over at Manchester City before leaving in March 2005. He made a return to Newcastle in 2008, where he spent eight months as manager before effectively retiring.  

Keegan subsequently did occasional punditry work and some personal appearances, but remained largely out of the spotlight.