Kevin Keegan, the legendary former England forward and manager, has died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by his family on Monday, July 20, 2026. Keegan, who won 63 caps for England and the Ballon d'Or twice, had announced in June that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Tributes from the football world
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Newcastle United, where Keegan played and later managed, described him as a "true giant". Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer called Keegan his "hero". A statement from Keegan's family said: "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."
Keegan's love for Scotland
Although Keegan was English, he had a strong affinity for Scotland. In 1984, he played for Hearts in a testimonial match for manager Alex MacDonald at Ibrox Stadium. In 2005, he moved to the small Inverclyde village of Inverkip with his wife Jean Woodhouse after falling in love with the coastal area during a golf trip. The couple lived there for several years.
'This is magic'
Speaking to the Largs and Millport Weekly News, Keegan said: "I’m living in Inverkip just now with my wife Jean, and every morning I look at the scenery around the Clyde and think to myself, ‘This is magic’. Ever since the early 1980s I have been coming here, going round the Highlands and islands, going to Inverlochy Castle, Skibo, St Andrews, and there is always something different in the landscapes and the weather, which sends a shiver up my spine."
About Inverkip
Inverkip is a small settlement with a population of around 3,500 people, located about five miles southwest of Greenock and eight miles north of Largs. It is best known for the Kip Marina, which was the first marina in Scotland when it opened in 1971. The village has a long history, with much of the ancient village sitting on land given to the monks of Paisley Abbey around 1170. Inverkip was also a hotspot for witchcraft in the 17th century, with many residents accused and some sentenced to death. During World War II, the mouth of the Kip Water was excavated by the Army Royal Engineers to store barges; that area later became a popular sunbathing spot, and the Kip Marina now stands on the site. Today, Inverkip is a popular seaside resort, known for its coastal views, food and drink venues, and the historic Inverkip Hotel.
