Newcastle United and Liverpool are set to unite for a series of special tributes to Kevin Keegan when they meet at St James' Park on Sunday for their opening Premier League match of the season. Keegan, who died last month at the age of 75 following a battle with cancer, became a legend at both clubs during his playing career.
A glittering career across both clubs
Known as 'King Kev', Keegan won three First Division titles and a European Cup among several other trophies with Liverpool. He also helped Newcastle secure promotion from the Second Division as both a player and manager. His career included stints with Scunthorpe United, Southampton and Hamburg, where he won two Ballon d'Or awards, and he earned 63 caps for England.
After retiring from playing, Keegan moved into management, taking charge of the England national team, Fulham and Manchester City, in addition to two spells with Newcastle.
Cancer diagnosis and final wish
Earlier this year, his family announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer after he was admitted to hospital due to 'ongoing abdominal symptoms'. In May, he confirmed he had stage four stomach cancer during a Q&A event with broadcaster Peter Graves at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre and Opera House, revealing the diagnosis came after a car accident.
“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation. Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer,” he told the audience. “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.”
During the event, Keegan expressed his wish to return to St James' Park and address the fans, saying: "I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time."
Tributes planned at St James' Park
Tragically, Keegan passed away before that wish could be fulfilled. A statement from Newcastle said: "The opening Premier League match of 2026/27 sees Newcastle United hosting Liverpool – where Kevin made 323 appearances between 1971 and 1977."
The statement added: "To ensure his memory is marked fittingly before the game, the club is in communication with Liverpool and will work closely with supporter groups, including its Fan Advisory Board, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and Wor Flags, as well as the Premier League, to shape tributes."
A Liverpool statement said: "LFC is also in direct contact with Newcastle United, ahead of the Premier League opener at St. James' Park, regarding special tributes to Keegan, who represented both clubs so successfully."
Liverpool also confirmed a further tribute will be held ahead of their first Premier League home match of the season, against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 29. This will include a special fan mosaic and a period of applause before kick-off, with players also wearing black armbands.
