Kevin Keegan, a former manager, captain, and two-time Ballon d’Or winner for England, passed away at the age of 75 after fighting stage four cancer, according to his family.
Seven weeks after making his diagnosis public, Keegan passed away. After doctors looked into persistent abdominal problems, his family had previously revealed in January that he was receiving therapy.
Keegan was “surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments,” according to a statement from the family.
Read the statement below;
“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.”
Keegan was praised by Newcastle United as “one of the most iconic, influential, and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.”
“Kevin was more than a legendary football player and manager,” the club continued. For many years, he was the lifeblood of Newcastle United.
Keegan’s “indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on,” according to Liverpool, where he won three league crowns, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup.
Alan Shearer, a former striker for Newcastle and England who trained under Keegan for both club and nation, wrote: “My Hero.” My supervisor. My pal. Rest easy, boss.
Manchester City and England also honoured their previous manager.
Keegan had a fantastic playing career with Newcastle United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Scunthorpe United.
After helping Hamburg win the Bundesliga, he won two consecutive Ballon d’Or trophies in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only four English players to win the top individual accolade in football.
He managed the national squad from 1999 to 2000 after scoring 21 goals in 63 games for England.
As a manager, Keegan turned Newcastle into one of the most thrilling teams in England, returning the team to the Premier League before leading the renowned “Entertainers” team to a second-place finish in the 1995–96 campaign.
In addition, he managed Manchester City and Fulham, leaving a lasting reputation as one of the most significant figures in English football.