Kevin Keegan, the former England football captain and manager, has died at the age of 75 at his home in Hale, Greater Manchester, surrounded by his wife and daughters.
His death comes months after his family announced in January that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and had begun treatment.
The family confirmed his passing in a statement released on Monday.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” the statement 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,” the statement added.
Widely regarded as one of England’s greatest footballers, Keegan enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United before going on to manage Newcastle United, Fulham, England and Manchester City.
During his time at Liverpool in the 1970s, he won three First Division titles, the European Cup, the FA Cup and two UEFA Cups, establishing himself as one of the game’s finest forwards.
His move to German side Hamburg further elevated his reputation, as he won consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979, becoming one of the few English players to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1982 for services to football.
Keegan earned 63 caps for England, scored 21 goals and captained the national team before returning as manager between 1999 and 2000.
He also left a lasting mark in management, leading Newcastle United from the second tier back to the Premier League and overseeing the club’s memorable 1995–96 title challenge, when they narrowly missed out on the championship to Manchester United.
Keegan’s death marks the passing of one of English football’s most influential figures, whose achievements as both a player and manager inspired generations of footballers and supporters. Tributes are expected from across the sporting world in honour of a career that helped shape the modern game.