Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Kevin Keegan passes away at 75

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FT Desk

Football legend Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

In January, Keegan and his family revealed in a statement that he had been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer and that he would be receiving treatment over the next few months.

"Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms," the statement read.

"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

"During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy and will be making no further comment."

Former England player and manager Kevin Keegan has died aged 75. pic.twitter.com/VLWaADRrCd

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 20, 2026

While receiving treatment, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner made an appearance alongside his friend Peter Graves at the Tyne Theatre in May. It was there that he vowed to get back to St. James' Park for a proper goodbye to the Newcastle supporters after he didn't get the chance following his second stint in charge of the club.

"I want to say goodbye, I didn't get the chance when I left last time," he said.

He added: "They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you've got. Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I know I wouldn't be walking alone, if you know what I mean."

Keegan's passing was confirmed on 20 July via a statement from his family.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," they said.

“Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. A double Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin 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 passes as one of English and European football's most celebrated figures, renowned for his success as both a player and a manager.

As a player, he began his professional career at Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1971. During six highly successful seasons at Anfield, he helped the club win three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup, and the club's first European Cup in 1977.

Later that year, he moved to Hamburger, where he became one of Europe's outstanding players, winning the Bundesliga title in 1979 and being named European Footballer of the Year in both 1978 and 1979.

After spells with Southampton and Newcastle, Keegan retired from playing in 1984. Internationally, he earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals and also captaining his country.

He would go on to manage his beloved Newcastle in two spells and it was the Magpies' supporters who would christen him affectionately as 'King Kev'.

As a manager, he provided one of the most memorable moments in Premier League history with his famous "I will love it..." rant against Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson amid the race for the title in 1995/96.