Liverpool and Newcastle United are set to pay heartfelt tributes to the late Kevin Keegan when they meet at St James' Park for the opening Premier League match of the season on Sunday, August 23. The former England and Newcastle manager died last month at age 75 following a battle with cancer.
Keegan's Footballing Legacy
Keegan, affectionately nicknamed 'King Kev', cemented his status as a footballing icon at both Liverpool and Newcastle United across a legendary playing career. He captured three First Division championships and a European Cup among numerous accolades with Liverpool, and later guided Newcastle out of the Second Division to earn promotion as both a player and a manager.
Keegan also had stints with Scunthorpe United, Southampton, and Hamburg, where he won two Ballon d'Ors and earned 63 caps for England. Following his playing career, he moved into management, taking charge of the England national team, Fulham, and Manchester City in addition to two stints with Newcastle.
Cancer Diagnosis and Final Wish
His family disclosed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer following a hospital admission for 'ongoing abdominal symptoms'. After spending months away from the public eye, he verified in May that he was facing stage four stomach cancer. Keegan made the announcement during a Q&A event with broadcaster Peter Graves at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre and Opera House, revealing that his diagnosis had come about after he was involved in a car accident.
He said: “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. 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 also expressed his wish to return to St James' Park and address the fans, explaining: "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, the England legend passed away before that wish could be fulfilled, but both Newcastle and Liverpool are set to unite for a series of special tributes when they meet at the stadium on Sunday. A Liverpool statement read: "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. In addition, a further tribute will be held ahead of the Reds' first Premier League home match of the season, on Saturday, August 29 against Nottingham Forest. This will provide another opportunity for supporters to pay their respects with a special fan mosaic and a period of applause observed before kick-off, with players also wearing black armbands."
A statement from Newcastle added: "The opening Premier League match of 2026/27 sees Newcastle United hosting Liverpool – where Kevin made 323 appearances between 1971 and 1977. 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."
