Former England captain, manager and two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin Keegan, has died at the age of 75, seven weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
His family confirmed his death on Sunday, saying the former Liverpool, Newcastle United and Hamburg star passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Keegan disclosed in June that he had stage four cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease, which had spread to other parts of his body. His family had earlier revealed in January that he was undergoing treatment after doctors investigated persistent abdominal symptoms.
In a statement, Keegan’s family described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
“Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather,” the statement read.
“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 is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest footballers, enjoying a glittering career that spanned clubs in England and Germany.
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He began his professional career with Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1971, where he became one of the club’s most influential players.
After leaving Liverpool, Keegan joined German club Hamburg, helping them win the Bundesliga title and reaching the 1980 European Cup final.
His individual brilliance earned him back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only four English players to win football’s most prestigious individual honour.
At international level, Keegan scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England between 1972 and 1982.
Following his retirement as a player, Keegan built a distinguished managerial career.
He transformed Newcastle United after taking charge in 1992, leading the club back to the Premier League and creating the exciting side famously known as “The Entertainers.”
Under Keegan, Newcastle finished runners-up in the Premier League during the 1995-96 season after mounting a memorable title challenge.
