Football legend Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager, who was also a star player at Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle, was diagnosed with stage four cancer in January."It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a statement from Keegan's family 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."Most revered for his feats as a manager at Newcastle and as a player at Liverpool, Keegan forged a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two Uefa Cups as well as two Bundesliga titles between the years of 1968 and 1984. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979. Keegan at LiverpoolIn 1971, Keegan had caught the eye of Liverpool’s chief scout Geoff Twentyman, and he was signed by Bill Shankly for a reported figure of £35,000, having scored 18 goals in 124 appearances in the midfield for Scunthorpe.Shankly cultivated Keegan’s talent, reportedly telling him after just three days of training at Melwood “you will play for England”, something that in fact happened only the following year when Keegan made his debut against Wales at Cardiff.Keegan joined Liverpool at a time Shankly was cultivating what would become one of the dominant forces in European football, and when he left in 1978 for Hamburg there were not many pieces of silverware the club had not lifted.In his 230 appearances for the club and 68 goals, Keegan had three league titles, two Uefa cups, one FA Cup, and one European cup, won in his final season, and under Shankly’s successor, Paisley.(Getty)Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 16:10Southampton statement: Keegan played for Southampton 68 times, scoring 37 goals, from 1980-1982. “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. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 16:03Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 - full storyKevin Keegan, the legendary former England footballer and manager, has died at the age of 75.It was announced in January that Keegan had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, with his family revealing he was to begin treatment.A statement was published on behalf of the Keegan family by the Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, confirming Keegan had passed away while surrounded by his wife and two daughters.Full story below: Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 15:58Keegan's career highlights: Most revered for his feats as a manager at Newcastle and as a player at Liverpool, Keegan forged a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two Uefa Cups as well as two Bundesliga titles between the years of 1968 and 1984. He won two Ballon d’Ors in 1978 and 1979. Keegan’s traits as a forward was founded on his pace and ability with the ball, and he formed a formidable strike partnership with John Toshack, and was at the heart of Liverpool’s prosperous side in the 1970s under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.As a manager, Keegan took Newcastle from the second tier into the Premier League and to their best-ever second finish, earning the nickname ‘King Kev’, and signed some of the club’s most iconic players, including Alan Shearer.Aside from an iconic 1970’s bubble perm, Keegan is arguably best known for his “I will love it” rant from 1996, when he took the bait and publicly criticised Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments, although Manchester United had the last laugh when they went on to win the league title, with the Magpies finishing second.(Getty)(Reuters)Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 15:53Newcastle statement cont. “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.”Kevin Keegan has died aged 75 (Getty)Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 15:47Newcastle statement on Keegan: The club he was most revered as a player and a manager, Newcastle United have released a statement: “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... Kevin Keegan during his Newcastle playing days (Getty)Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 15:43Keegan family statement The family released a statement at 3:13pm on Monday: "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."Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 15:40Kevin Keegan diesThis is a rolling news blog with reaction after the sad news of the death of England, Liverpool and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan. (Getty)Kieran Jackson20 July 2026 15:38