Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 after stage four cancer diagnosis
Keegan, who won three league titles and the European Cup with Liverpool before managing Newcastle, Manchester City and Fulham, has died at 75.
Kevin Keegan, the former England captain and Newcastle United legend, has died at the age of 75. His death was confirmed seven weeks after he publicly announced a diagnosis of stage four cancer in June, with reports indicating the disease had spread to other parts of the body.
Keegan enjoyed a distinguished career as a player for Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle, winning three league titles and the European Cup with Liverpool. He later managed Newcastle United, Manchester City and Fulham, and served as caretaker manager for England.
He is remembered as a beloved figure in English football for his attacking style and emotional leadership. His tenure as England manager preceded the current squad’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Born in Armthorpe near Doncaster, Keegan joined Liverpool in 1971 for £35,000. He scored twice in the 1974 FA Cup final win against Newcastle and was instrumental in Liverpool’s European Cup triumphs in 1977 and 1978. He left Liverpool for Hamburg in 1977, winning the Bundesliga and two Ballon d’Or awards before returning to England with Southampton and then Newcastle.
At Newcastle, Keegan led the club to promotion and a dramatic title challenge in 1995-96 before resigning. He later managed Fulham and Manchester City, and served as England caretaker manager in 1999, resigning after a World Cup qualifier loss to Germany. His final managerial role was a brief return to Newcastle in 2008, ending in constructive dismissal.
