Hamburg FC board member leads tribute to Kevin Keegan and Uwe Seeler
The Hamburg board member and Chief Financial Officer addressed the team and fans in Längenfeld, referencing Uwe Seeler’s famous quote and confirming Keegan’s death at age 75.
Hamburg FC board member Dr Eric Huwer has led a formal tribute to recently deceased club legend Kevin Keegan and former icon Uwe Seeler during the team’s training camp in Längenfeld, Austria. Speaking to the squad and supporters prior to a session, Huwer, who also serves as the club’s Chief Financial Officer and a DFL Supervisory Board member, outlined a specific protocol for honouring the two figures.
Huwer confirmed that Keegan passed away at the age of 75 on the day prior to the speech. He described the former England captain as a champion, noting his status as a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, a Bundesliga winner, and a Champions League finalist. The club’s management acknowledged that Keegan died far too soon, seven weeks after revealing a stage four cancer diagnosis, with his family confirming he passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters.
The tribute also honoured Uwe Seeler, who died four years prior and is remembered for providing the club with its moral compass. Huwer referenced Seeler’s well-known sentiment regarding football in the afterlife, stating, “Never fear! They also play football in heaven.” This quote served as the thematic anchor for the board member’s address to the gathered supporters.
In a departure from standard protocols, Huwer explicitly requested that the team and fans sustain applause rather than observe a moment of silence. He stated that this approach was chosen to demonstrate that the club feels the presence of the two legends and intends to carry on their spirit. The supporters complied, sustaining the applause for well over half a minute.
Keegan’s career included significant stints as both a player and manager at Newcastle United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Hamburg, cementing his status as one of English football’s most decorated figures. The tribute in Austria marks the latest official recognition from the club’s leadership following the confirmation of his death.
