Former Newcastle United and England manager Kevin Keegan passes away aged 75

[p]Keegan is fondly remembered for his achievements as a player, winning two Ballon d'Ors and featuring for Scunthorpe, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/liverpool/lId4TMwf/"]Liverpool[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/hamburger/v9k3aY5F/"]Hamburger SV[/a], Southampton and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/newcastle-utd/p6ahwuwJ/"]Newcastle[/a].[/p][p]A glittering playing career saw him clinch the Ballon d'Or twice, as well as three First Division titles, an FA Cup, European Cup, two UEFA Cups and one Bundesliga.[/p][p]Off the pitch, 'King Kev' managed Newcastle for five years from 1992 to 1997, enjoying a successful spell with 138 wins from 251 fixtures, before returning to the club over a decade later to guide them to a 12th-place finish in 2008.[/p][p]Keegan enjoyed further managerial spells at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/fulham/69ZiU2Om/"]Fulham[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]Manchester City[/a].[/p][p]He also made 63 appearances for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/england/j9N9ZNFA/"]England[/a] before going on to manage the Three Lions and help them qualify for Euro 2000 in 18 months at the helm.[/p][embed guid="e54094b0-3cb7-424e-a8d0-53edcb60fa8d" url="https://x.com/SkySports_Keith/status/2079210214604128661" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," [/b]his family said in a statement.[/p][p][b]"Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.[/b][/p][p][b]"A double Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. [/b][/p][p][b]"The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.[/b][/p][p][b]"This is a hugely difficult time, and they are requesting space and privacy."[/b][/p][p]Two of Keegan's former clubs, Newcastle and Liverpool, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/liverpool-lId4TMwf/newcastle-p6ahwuwJ/?mid=4xKntFxe"]face off on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season.[/a][/p][p]The Magpies have confirmed that, when the time is right, they will be looking into a way to pay tribute to Keegan's life and legacy.[/p][embed guid="095e2227-7177-44f5-a382-a91173ea6672" url="https://x.com/NUFC/status/2079217011863789997" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"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,"[/b] Newcastle wrote on their website.[/p][p][b]"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.[/b][/p][p][b]"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.[/b][/p][p][b]"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.[/b][/p][p]"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."[/p]