Former England footballer and Ballon d’Or winner Kevin Keegan has died aged 75 after a battle with cancer.

In June, Keegan shared that he had stage four cancer, which came six months after his family initially announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

A statement shared on behalf of his family said: ‘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. 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.’

Keegan, dubbed ‘Mighty Mouse’, began his career with Scunthorpe before he was famously signed for Liverpool by manager Bill Shankly in 1971, where he struck up a formidable partnership with Welshman John Toshack, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.

He won the Ballon d’Or twice while at German side Hamburg, where he featured in another European Cup final, and played for Southampton and Newcastle United before retiring in 1984. He also scored 21 goals in 63 England appearances and played at the 1982 World Cup.

When he called time on his playing career, Keegan took charge of former club Newcastle in 1992 and led them into the Premier League, coming close to winning the title in 1996, before leaving the club in 1997, having a spell as Fulham boss before becoming England manager in 1999.

After a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign with England, he resigned following a World Cup qualifying defeat to Germany, before taking over at Manchester City, leaving in March 2005. He returned to Newcastle in 2008, where he spent eight months as manager before effectively retiring. 

Tributes continue to pour in for Keegan, with his former club Liverpool saying: ‘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.’

Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher called Keegan ‘one of the greatest players this country has ever produced’ and ‘one of the most important men’ in making the football club what it is today.

Newcastle United also paid tribute to Keegan, saying: ‘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.’

In a statement, England football said: ‘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.’

RIP Kevin Keegan 🤞🏻❤️

One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Balon dor winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.
One of the most important men in making @LFC what it is today. pic.twitter.com/fwRedN59r3

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 20, 2026