Kevin Keegan, one of the most influential figures in English football history, has died at the age of 75.

The former Liverpool, Newcastle United and England forward had been receiving treatment for cancer since the beginning of 2026. He revealed in June that the disease was at stage four.

According to Sky Sports’ report, Keegan’s family announced his death on Monday, July 20.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” the statement read.

Read also: Superstition kept Milei home as Trump took World Cup final spotlight

His family said he was surrounded by his wife and daughters during his final moments. They also thanked his medical team and requested privacy.

A double Ballon d’Or winner

Keegan began his professional career with Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1971.

He scored 100 goals in 323 appearances for the club, winning three First Division titles, an FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the 1977 European Cup.

Keegan then moved to Hamburg, where he won the Bundesliga in 1979 and reached the European Cup final the following year. His performances in Germany earned him consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979.

Read also: Vingegaard’s Tour exit blows podium race wide open

He remains the only English player to have won the award twice.

Spells with Southampton and Newcastle followed before he retired from full-time professional football in 1984.

Captain and manager of England

Keegan represented England 63 times between 1972 and 1982, scoring 21 goals and captaining the country on 31 occasions.

The figure of 61 caps in the original article was incorrect. According to England Football’s official tribute, he made 63 senior appearances.

Read also: Kane stays top as Spain’s World Cup stars reshape Ballon d’Or race

Injury restricted Keegan to just 26 minutes at the 1982 World Cup, when he appeared as a substitute against Spain in what proved to be his final international match.

He later managed England between February 1999 and October 2000. Keegan led the team at Euro 2000 before resigning following a defeat by Germany in the final match played at the old Wembley.

The man who transformed Newcastle

Keegan’s strongest emotional connection was with Newcastle United.

He initially joined the club as a player in 1982 and helped secure promotion to the First Division before his retirement. Eight years later, he returned as manager with Newcastle facing relegation to the third tier.

Read also: Italy reportedly meets with Pep Guardiola amid national team speculation

Keegan kept them up and then guided the club to the 1992/93 First Division title, earning promotion to the Premier League.

His attacking Newcastle side became known as “The Entertainers” and came close to winning the Premier League in 1995/96 before finishing second behind Manchester United.

Newcastle described Keegan as “the beating heart” of the club in a tribute quoted by ABC News.

“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager,” the club said.

Read also: ‘Something much bigger than a result’: Enzo Fernández breaks silence

Keegan later managed Fulham and Manchester City before returning to Newcastle for a final, brief spell in 2008.

His bond with Newcastle remained

Even after leaving management, Keegan maintained a close connection with Newcastle and its supporters.

At a charity dinner in 2025, he was asked which members of the modern Newcastle side would have earned a place in his celebrated 1990s team.

“Bruno Guimaraes, he would get in definitely. I love Guimaraes and find a way of getting him in my team,” Keegan told fans, as reported by ChronicleLive journalist Lee Ryder.

He also selected Dan Burn, praising the defender’s connection with the North East and his importance to the identity of the team.

Newcastle have confirmed that they will consider a permanent tribute to the man generations of supporters knew simply as “King Kev.”