Former England manager, Liverpool great dead at 75: ‘One of the best footballers ever’
The family released a statement.
Olivia Bennett 
The world of football is in mourning today following the passing of Kevin Keegan, a true icon of the game who served as both a legendary player and a distinguished manager. Keegan, who famously captained and coached the England national team and lifted the European Cup during his storied tenure at Liverpool, has died at the age of 75.
A Legacy Remembered
Newcastle United, a club where Keegan made a massive impact both on the pitch and from the touchline, broke the news of his passing. The club honored his memory by calling him "one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history."
Keegan had been courageously battling stage four cancer, a diagnosis he publicly shared just last month. In a statement provided to ESPN, his family confirmed the news: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments."
An Extraordinary Career
Keegan’s resume reads like a map of football history. A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he graced the pitch for Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle United. His leadership and tactical mind later took him to the manager's office, where he guided Newcastle, Fulham, England, and Manchester City.
He remains one of only four Englishmen to claim the Ballon d’Or. His brilliance was undeniable during his time at Hamburg, where he secured the award—then known as the European Footballer of the Year—in both 1978 and 1979. He also led his side to a European Cup final appearance in 1980.
On the international stage, Keegan was a force for the Three Lions, scoring 21 goals in 63 appearances. He represented his country at the 1982 World Cup, marking his lone appearance at the sport's biggest tournament after England narrowly missed out on qualification in 1974 and 1978.
205focus.com and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
