Tributes have poured in following the death of Kevin Keegan (Image: Getty)
Tributes have poured in following the death of Kevin Keegan, with stars from across the sporting world and beyond taking to social media to remember the former England player and manager. Keegan’s family released a statement on Monday (July 20), announcing that he had died aged 75. It said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. 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.” It was announced that Keegan had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in January, before he revealed last month that the disease had progressed to stage four.
Former footballer Alan Shearer, who played under Keegan for Newcastle United and England, penned an emotional message to his “hero”.
He wrote: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss [Crying emoji].”
Keegan was considered one of the greatest players of his generation, making nearly 750 club appearances for Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle, having started at Scunthorpe United.
As a coach, he managed 273 matches at Newcastle in two separate spells, almost taking them to Premier League glory in the 1990s when they finished second twice.
The official Newcastle United account released an emotional tribute on X, writing: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history. Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 20, 2026
“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.
“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.
“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
Alan Shearer described Keegan as his “hero” (Image: Getty)
It added: “Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy. Rest in peace, King Kev.”
Liverpool also posted a heartfelt tribute, saying that the club was “deeply saddened and mourning” Keegan’s passing.
The club wrote: “Keegan’s association with Liverpool began when he arrived from Scunthorpe as a 20-year-old in May 1971.
“He endeared himself to Kopites soon after joining, scoring on his debut in the 1971-72 league opener against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
“A forward partnership for the ages with John Toshack would blossom, and with it came success for the second of Bill Shankly’s great Liverpool teams.
“Keegan produced 41 goal involvements (22 goals, 19 assists) in year two of his Anfield career, helping deliver the First Division title and a maiden European trophy.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on.
Rest in peace, Kevin. 1951-2026
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 20, 2026
“In the two-legged UEFA Cup final with Borussia Monchengladbach, the bona fide superstar scored two of his side’s goals and set up another in the 3-2 aggregate win.
“He was the standout performer again in the 1974 FA Cup final with a double at Wembley to down Newcastle, where in the future he would be known as ‘King Kev’ for more terrific service.”
It added: “He signed off at Liverpool in the best way possible, though, by firing in 20 strikes en route to earning a third league winner’s medal and lifting the club’s first European Cup.
“Our ‘Mighty Mouse’, his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.
“One of the most important men in making LFC what it is today.”
Paying tribute to their former player, Southampton wrote: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.”
The official England football account shared: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.
“Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the Three Lions from 1999 to 2000. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”
Keegan’s impact reached well beyond the pitch, reflected in the tributes paid by figures from outside the world of football.
Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker posted: “Incredibly sad news about the death of Kevin Keegan. He was a wonderful footballer and his passion for the game was second to none. I used to love going to interview him each week and he was great fun on and off the microphone. Kevin was fantastic company. His legacy lies not just in trophies and accolades he won but in the joy he brought to so many. My deepest condolences to his family.”
Lord Alan Sugar penned: “Very sad news to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan. I met him a few times when I was at Spurs R.I.P.”
Piers Morgan added: “RIP Kevin Keegan. English football legend, and a wonderful character.”