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Kevin Keegan, English Football Icon and Two-Time Ballon d'Or Winner, Dies of Cancer at 75

July 21, 2026Pablo Navarro1 мин

Kevin Keegan, the revered English football legend and former national team manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has passed away at the age of 75. His death comes six months after he revealed his diagnosis with stage 4 cancer. In January 2026, his family announced that doctors discovered the illness after he sought medical attention for abdominal symptoms.

On Monday, July 20th, a statement from Keegan's family confirmed his passing. "The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments," they stated.

A two-time Ballon d'Or recipient, in 1978 and 1979, Keegan excelled as both a striker and midfielder throughout his career, which spanned from 1968 to 1985. He played for clubs including Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburger SV, Southampton, Newcastle United, and Blacktown City. His extensive club career saw him participate in over 750 matches, complemented by 63 caps for the England national team. Keegan amassed numerous accolades, including three league titles with Liverpool (1973, 1975, 1977), a Bundesliga title with Hamburg (1979), and the European Cup in 1977 with Liverpool.

As a manager, Keegan achieved a unique distinction by winning the league title in his debut season with each of the three clubs he managed: Newcastle in 1993, Fulham in the second division in 1999, and Manchester City in 2002. He also served as the manager of the England national team, though his tenure lasted only eighteen months before he resigned ahead of the 2002 World Cup.