Former Liverpool, Newcastle and England striker, manager at Manchester City, Newcastle and again England, and regular TV pundit and commentator Kevin Keegan has died after a battle with cancer.
Sky Sports and ITV Sport presenter Pete Graves shared the news on social media on behalf of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner:
https://x.com/PeteGravesTV/status/2079208063072940166
Newcastle United, perhaps Keegan’s spiritual home despite his greater success at Liverpool and later Hamburg FC in Germany, were among the first to pay their respects:
“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters,” the club said.
“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.”
The club said it will carefully consider how it shapes a lasting tribute to Keegan’s “remarkable life and legacy”.
It added: “He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results.
“It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.”
Manchester City, who Keegan guided back to the Premier League in 2002 following a dismal few years in the Football League wilderness soon followed suit:
As did Liverpool:
Keegan was one of the leading footballers of his generation, picking up three First Division trophies, one FA Cup, one European Cup and two UEFA Cups in his time at Liverpool (1971-1977) as well as a Bundesliga with Hamburg. He landed the Ballon D’Or in two consecutive seasons in 1978 and 1979 following his then-German record transfer to Hamburg in 1977.
As a manager, he will perhaps be best remembered for His “I will love it” on-screen rant as Newcastle entered the latter stages of a high-pressure struggle for the 1996 title with Manchester United:
In January 2026, it was announced Keegan had been diagnosed with cancer, which Keegan later revealed was already at stage four.
