England football legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer, his family announced. The former Three Lions manager and two-time Ballon d'Or winner was diagnosed with cancer in January after being admitted to hospital with abdominal symptoms. He was 'surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments,' the family said.
Family statement and tributes
'It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,' a statement from the Keegan 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.'
In May, during his first public outing since his cancer diagnosis, Keegan said he was responding well to treatment after being assured 'we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got.'
Playing career: From Scunthorpe to European glory
Keegan started his career at Scunthorpe United before being signed by legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly in 1971. With exactly 100 goals in 323 appearances, Keegan was part of one of Liverpool's most successful teams, helping the club win three league titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup and the European Cup. He was one of England's most important players throughout the 1970s, captaining the team 31 times and throughout their Euro 1980 campaign.
During his subsequent spell in Germany with Hamburger, Keegan's impressive performances led to him being named European Footballer of the Year in back-to-back years and winning two Ballon d'Or awards.
Managerial legacy at Newcastle and beyond
Keegan had a brief but influential spell at Newcastle at the end of his playing career but secured his status as a club legend while managing the club following his retirement. In his first season in charge, Keegan guided Newcastle to promotion to the Premier League as First Division champions. His 'Entertainers' threatened to win the Premier League on more than one occasion, narrowly missing out on the title in 1995-96 to Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
Keegan managed England from 1999 to 2000, resigning after a 2002 World Cup qualifying defeat. He also took Manchester City back into the Premier League in his first season at the club, and had a brief eight-month spell back at Newcastle which ended due to tensions at board level.
Honours and tributes
Keegan was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and named by Liverpool fans as their eighth most important player of all time. Newcastle United paid tribute, describing him as the 'beating heart of the city for generations of supporters.'
'Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager,' the club said in a statement. '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.'
