Kevin Keegan dies age 75 as tributes pour in for legendary England football star and ITV pundit
Kevin keegan dead at 75 after a cancer battle, with Sky Sports reporting his family confirmed the news and asked for privacy.Kevin Keegan has died aged 75, his family has confirmed in a statement.
The England football icon and former TV pundit had been receiving treatment following a stage four cancer diagnosis.
Kevin was given the shock news about his health in January this year.
Many have paid tribute to Kevin, including Prince William.
But in a sad statement issued today, his family confirmed that he has now tragically died.
Kevin Keegan dead aged 75
Kevin is said to have died surrounded by his wife and daughters.
In a heartfelt statement, his 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.”
Tributes have now begun pouring in for the legend.
Southampton Football Club said in a statement: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Sky Sports host Pete Graves shared the family’s statement on X and wrote: “Truly heartbroken to post this on behalf of the Keegan family… ”
TV presenter Dan Walker added: “Incredibly sad news about the death of Kevin Keegan. He was a wonderful footballer and his passion for the game was second to none.
“I used to love going to interview him each week and he was great fun on and off the microphone. Kevin was fantastic company. His legacy lies not just in trophies and accolades he won but in the joy he brought to so many. My deepest condolences to his family.”
Prince William pays tribute to ‘remarkable’ Kevin Keegan
Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales also released a personal statement. He said: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game. Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. W.”
Kevin Keegan’s glittering career in football remembered
Keegan’s death closes a remarkable chapter in English football. He starred for Liverpool and Hamburg. He later became a popular manager at Newcastle United, Manchester City and England.
Keegan made almost 750 club appearances. He won the First Division title four times with Liverpool. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg in the Bundesliga.
After retiring, he moved into management and took charge of a struggling Newcastle side in February 1992. He kept them up. Then he guided them into the Premier League in his first full season.
Newcastle came close to the title in 1995/96. They finished second after a dramatic collapse. That season also produced his famous “I’d love it..” interview after a win at Leeds.
Keegan later managed England. He scored 21 goals in 63 games as a player. Kevin resigned minutes after a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final game at the old Wembley Stadium.
He then led Manchester City to promotion to the Premier League in 2002 as Division One champions. Keegan left the club in March 2005 and initially announced his retirement from football. He returned to Newcastle in 2008 for a short spell.
Following his retirement, Kevin worked as a football pundit.
Famously, he worked as a pundit for ITV alongside his rival Sir Alex Ferguson for Euro 96. The pair put aside their differences for their television analysis.
Kevin was also the lead pundit for ITV’s coverage of the 2010 World Cup. The tournament was held in South Africa.
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