Prince William (44) has publicly mourned the death of Kevin Keegan (1951-2026). The English heir to the throne spoke out via the X channel of Kensington Palace and called the late soccer player and coach a man who inspired generations. It had previously been announced that Keegan had passed away at the age of 75.

"Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan", wrote the eldest son of King Charles III (77). Keegan had been a "remarkable footballer and manager" who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love for the game, William continued. "Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous person. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him." William signed the message simply with "W".

Lost the battle against cancer

Keegan's family had previously announced his death. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin Keegan at the age of 75", according to a statement available to Sky Sports among others. The former national player and coach had fought cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. "Kevin, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, was a much-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 continued.

Earlier this year, Keegan had made his illness public. During an appearance a few months ago, the former English national team coach 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

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

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 minor sensation at the time, for Keegan proof that he could also perform away from the island.

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

Stations of Kevin Keegan's coaching career

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

This was followed by Fulham, the position of national team coach between 1999 and 2000, and a resignation just minutes after the 0-1 defeat to Germany in the last game 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 they had lost one of the most influential and beloved figures in the club's history. Keegan had been more than a footballer and coach, he had been "the beating heart" of the club across generations. His connection to the North East 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", in German: "Rest in peace, King Kevin."

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