Tributes have flooded in from across the football world after former England player and manager Kevin Keegan died at the age of 75, with Newcastle United honouring a “true giant” of the club and his former signing Alan Shearer calling him “my hero”.
Keegan was diagnosed with cancer in January, with his family announcing he was to receive treatment, while he revealed in June that it was stage four.
A statement from his family on Monday read: “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 enjoyed an illustrious career including four First Division titles with Liverpool, back-to-back Ballon d’Or titles in 1978 and 1979, as well as one FA Cup, one European Cup, two Uefa Cups and two Bundesliga titles.
He made almost 750 club appearances before transferring into management, earning the nickname ‘King Kev’ during a reign at Newcastle in which he took the club from the second tier to the Premier League and to their best-ever finish, second.
He later returned for a second spell as manager in 2008, but only stayed in post for eight months.
One of Keegan’s most important acts was the signing of Alan Shearer for a then-world record fee, with the homegrown star writing: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”
The Magpies released an emotional tribute, writing: “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.”
Liverpool said the club was “deeply saddened and mourning” Keegan’s passing, calling him a “bona fide superstar”.
The club wrote: “Keegan’s association with Liverpool began when he arrived from Scunthorpe as a 20-year-old in May 1971.
“He endeared himself to Kopites soon after joining, scoring on his debut in the 1971-72 league opener against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
“A forward partnership for the ages with John Toshack would blossom, and with it came success for the second of Bill Shankly’s great Liverpool teams.
“Keegan produced 41 goal involvements (22 goals, 19 assists) in year two of his Anfield career, helping deliver the First Division title and a maiden European trophy.
“In the two-legged UEFA Cup final with Borussia Monchengladbach, the bona fide superstar scored two of his side’s goals and set up another in the 3-2 aggregate win.
“He was the standout performer again in the 1974 FA Cup final with a double at Wembley to down Newcastle, where in the future he would be known as ‘King Kev’ for more terrific service.”
It added: “He signed off at Liverpool in the best way possible, though, by firing in 20 strikes en route to earning a third league winner’s medal and lifting the club’s first European Cup.
“Our ‘Mighty Mouse’, his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history.”
Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher also paid tribute, writing: “One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’R winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game. One of the most important men in making LFC what it is today.”
Another former Liverpool player, John Aldridge, wrote: “He gave me great joy in my teens has a huge LFC fan, and the saying says never meet your heroes? Well I did! Roger Hunt and KK and they surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with all his family. God bless Kevin, YNWA.”
Southampton also paid tribute to their former player, writing: “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.”
Keegan also earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals and captaining the squad 31 times, retiring from international football after the 1981 World Cup. He managed the Three Lions between February 1999 and October 2000, resigning after a 1-0 defeat to Germany at Wembley Stadium.
The EFL wrote: “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.”
The official England football account said: “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 Three Lions from 1999 to 2000. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”
Keegan also managed Manchester City after his spell with England, overseeing promotion to the Premier League in 2002 as Division One champions.
The club said: “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.”
