The One Show has paid tribute to football legend Kevin Keegan, who died in July at the age of 75. The BBC programme honoured the former Newcastle United and Liverpool star ahead of two of his former teams facing each other in the Premier League on Sunday.
Presenters JB and Angellica introduced the segment, explaining that thousands of football fans will gather at St James' Park to pay tribute to Keegan as his former clubs go head to head. They also highlighted how Keegan touched many lives, including artist Adebanji Alade, who explored how fans are preparing to put rivalries aside to honour his life and legacy.
Adebanji Alade's personal tribute
The One Show aired a pre-recorded clip of Adebanji sharing how Kevin Keegan's book “changed my life”. He said: “Inside that book, I practiced all the skills I could, but what really got me, were the pictures in that book. It sparked my passion for sketching, and that has been with me ever since.”
The tribute noted Keegan's achievements: winning league titles and European cups with Liverpool, playing back-to-back Ballon d'Ors at Hamburg, and taking Newcastle to the brink of the Premier League title as both player and manager. After his death, hundreds of fans headed to St James' Park to pay their respects.
Fan displays and memories
Adebanji spoke to volunteers from Newcastle United fan group Wor Flags, who are preparing a stadium-wide display to honour Keegan. One volunteer said: “We just wanted to pay tribute to someone who many of us believe to be the most important man in the history of Newcastle United.” Another volunteer revealed she had been in tears “a few times” as they used shirts given by fans with personal messages to Keegan as part of the display.
Grantchester star Robson Green also paid tribute, saying: “He reminded us all that football wasn’t just something you watched, it was something you belonged to. And Liverpool fans and players, it’s the same with Newcastle. We didn’t just like and respect Kevin Keegan, we loved him, and we’ll never forget him.”
Further tributes from studio and fans
Morning Live star Dr Xand shared his own tribute, recalling how he grew up thinking he would have a dimple in his chin and a full head of hair like Keegan. He added: “But what an absolute legend.”
Hosts JB and Angellica read out tributes sent in from fans, with one person saying: “He was the Geordie Messiah, a Newcastle legend on and off the pitch, always loved and never forgotten.” Another fan wrote: “Kevin Keegan was my hero. I saw him make his [Newcastle United] debut in 1982 against QPR.”
The One Show airs weeknights from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
