Newcastle United paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Kevin Keegan at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon ahead of their Premier League opener with Liverpool. The legendary former footballer and manager died at the age of 75 last month following a battle with cancer, prompting tributes from across the world of sport.
Given the Armthorpe-born icon represented the Magpies both as a player and a manager, as well as Liverpool during his playing days, the clubs felt it was only right that they afforded him an emotional send-off ahead of their first English top flight outing of 2026/27.
Mosaic and wreaths mark Keegan's legacy
Players warmed up in shirts adorned with Keegan's iconic number seven, while 500 shirts were laid in a mosaic reading 'legend' and 'There's only one Kevin Keegan' in the centre circle of the stadium. Bobby Moncur, Ian Rush, Shola Ameobi and Sir Kenny Dalglish laid wreaths in the Newcastle memorial gardens ahead of Sunday's 4.30pm kick-off on Tyneside.
Family letter thanks fans
A letter from Keegan's family was included in the pre-match programme, in which fans were thanked for their support over an incredibly tough period. It read: "Dear Newcastle United fans and the incredible city of Newcastle.
"The past couple of weeks have been some of the hardest that our family has endured, saying goodbye to our husband, father, and grandfather, Kevin. Despite living outside of the region, your love and warmth from the North East has reached our hearts and filled us with so much comfort during these difficult days.
"The empathy, compassion and warmth of this extraordinary club and community have shone through; the outpouring of love has been truly overwhelming. Having seen the tributes outside St. James' Park, members of our family came home to Newcastle to see the memorials in person.
"The sea of black and white shirts and scarves, alongside colours from so many other clubs, reminded us how much Kevin meant to the footballing world. It was a sombre moment that reminded us of our pain and loss, yet matched with immense pride and love as we read so many personal and heartfelt messages.
"Kevin always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies, and the city, captivating us with stories told with his infectious smile. Seeing these tributes brought those stories to life for Kevin's grandchildren, showing them how deeply their grandfather was loved in return.
"It also allowed us a quiet moment to reflect on many fond memories of Kevin's incredible career and the incomparable bond he shared with Newcastle. Your football club, city, and community show a passion that truly embodied Kevin as a footballer, manager, and family man.
"We will be eternally grateful for the adoration and strength you have given our family when we needed it most. Newcastle, thank you for your love. The Keegan Family."
Fans and displays honour 'King Kev'
Placards were left on seats around St James' Park for fans to hold up in the build-up to kick-off, adorned with instructions and the words "Long live the king." Wor Flags also provided a display of Keegan's name in red in the Liverpool section of Level Seven, while the number seven sat below among the home fans.
The Newcastle-based organisation also erected a one-off tifo which showed a collage of Keegan from his time at Newcastle United as both a player and a manager, as well as the words "King Kev." Fans held banners in the stands, showing Keegan's iconic "we should all be dreamers" message.
