Mourning Kevin Keegan (1951-2026). The former star player and manager has died at the age of 75. His family announced this in a statement, which is available to Sky Sports among others.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin Keegan at the age of 75", the statement reads. The former national player and manager fought against cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. "Kevin, two-time Ballon d'Or winner, was a dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's wonderful medical team for all their support. This is an extremely difficult time, and they ask for consideration and privacy", the family's statement continues.

Earlier this year, Keegan had made his illness public. During an appearance a few months ago, the former English national team manager himself revealed that he was suffering from stage four cancer. This generally refers to an advanced stage in which the cancer has already formed metastases.

Success with HSV

Keegan won three national championships during his playing career with FC Liverpool, for whom he played from 1971 to 1977. The club also won two UEFA Cups with him, the FA Cup, and in 1977 the European Cup. He scored 100 goals in 323 matches for the club from Anfield Road.

And then came Hamburg. From 1977 to 1980, he wore the HSV jersey, won the German championship in 1979, reached the final of the European Cup - and won the Ballon d'Or twice in a row in 1978 and 1979. For the Bundesliga, the transfer was a small sensation at the time, and for Keegan it was proof that he could succeed away from the island.

Back in England, Southampton and finally Newcastle, where he scored 49 goals in 85 matches, followed as further playing stations.

Stations of Kevin Keegan's managerial career

In 1992, he returned as manager to St. James' Park, to a team on the brink. Keegan kept Newcastle in the second division, led the team into the Premier League one season later, and suddenly competed for the title in the 1995/96 season. The Magpies were at one point twelve points ahead of Manchester United. They finished second with a four-point deficit.

Fulham followed, the position of national team manager between 1999 and 2000, and a resignation just minutes after the 0-1 defeat against Germany in the last match at the old Wembley Stadium.

"Rest in Peace, King Kev"

Reactions from English soccer to the death were not long in coming. Newcastle United stated that they had lost one of the most influential and beloved figures in the club's history. Keegan was more than a player and manager, he had been "the beating heart" of the club across generations. His connection to the northeast of England, rooted in his father Joe's origins, had been genuine and unwavering. The club concluded with the words: "Rest in Peace, King Kev", which in German means: "Rest in peace, King Kevin."

Former English national striker Alan Shearer offered his condolences according to Sky Sports with the words: "My hero. My manager. My friend. Rest in peace, Boss."

Kevin Keegan leaves behind his wife Jean, to whom he was married for more than five decades, two daughters, and grandchildren.