Football legend Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 after cancer battle

Former England footballer and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer, his family has announced.

Keegan, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year, passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters, according to a statement from his family, Sky Sports reports.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” the statement said. His family described him as a “much-loved husband, father and grandfather” and thanked his medical team for their support.

Keegan was one of the most celebrated English footballers of his generation. The forward won the Ballon d’Or twice in consecutive years, in 1978 and 1979, while playing for Hamburg, becoming the first English player to claim the prestigious individual award more than once.

He enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Liverpool, winning three First Division titles, the FA Cup, the European Cup and two UEFA Cups. In total, he made nearly 750 club appearances and scored 21 goals in 63 matches for England.

After retiring as a player, Keegan moved into management, taking charge of Newcastle United in 1992. He transformed the club’s fortunes, guiding them back to the top flight and leading them to a memorable Premier League title challenge in the 1995/96 season.

Keegan later managed England between 1999 and 2000, resigning after a defeat to Germany in the final match at the old Wembley Stadium. He also led Manchester City back into the Premier League before returning for a brief second spell at Newcastle in 2008.

Tributes have poured in from across football, with Newcastle United calling him “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply-loved figures” in the club’s history.

By Aghakazim Guliyev