KEVIN KEEGAN | KING KEV | FOREVER ONE OF THE GAME'S GREATS

 

King Kev.

A football icon whose talent, charisma and passion transcended clubs, countries and generations.

Forever one of the game’s greats.

Kevin Keegan

1951–2026

CLUBS AND FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO FORMER NEWCASTLE UNITED PLAYER AND MANAGER KEVIN KEEGAN

Tributes have been paid to the former Newcastle United footballer and manager, Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75.

In a statement, his family said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

Keegan, who also played for and managed the England national team, had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

The family statement continued: "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."

The Newcastle United legend revealed he had cancer in January 2026, which later spread to stage four.

Kevin Keegan played for and managed Newcastle United.
Credit: PA

In 1992, Keegan made his first step into management at Newcastle, leading them into the Premier League and to within touching distance of the 1995-96 title, but they missed out to Manchester United.

A statement from Newcastle United called Keegan "the beating heart of the club for generations of supporters".

It said: "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.

"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."

Alan Shearer paid tribute to his hero and friend Kevin Keegan following the death of his former Newcastle manager at the age of 75.

Keegan was in charge at St James’ Park when the club paid a then world-record fee of £15million to sign Shearer in 1996.

“My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss,” Shearer wrote on X.

After leaving St James’ Park in January 1997, a brief stint at Fulham followed before he became England manager in 1999 following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.

After overseeing a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.

A spell at Manchester City followed and then an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008, but he only lasted eight months at St James’ Park following tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley.

On the international stage, he scored 21 goals in 63 England appearances and played at the 1982 World Cup finals.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“Kevin Keegan brought joy to so many of us in the North East and across the world. It is hard to believe someone with so much energy and passion is no longer with us.

"King Kev fought such a brave battle against cancer, and while today we will all mourn his passing, we should also find room to celebrate with a smile everything he achieved.”

- itvX

KEVIN KEEGAN DIES AS NEWCASTLE UNITED LEGEND'S FAMILY RELEASE TEARFUL STATEMENT

The former Newcastle United player and manager has passed away at the age of 75

Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75(Image: PA)

Kevin Keegan has sadly passed away at 75 after battling with cancer throughout 2026. The former Newcastle manager's family have released an emotional statement sharing his final few moments.

The family said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

"Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

"A double Ballon D’or winner, Kevin 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 had said in May, during a talk-in at the Tyne Theatre: "I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time."

Kevin Keegan has sadly been diagnosed with cancer(Image: Getty Images)

Back then Keegan, in great spirits, also said: "They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer.

“He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean."

A club statement read: "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.

"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.

Kevin Keegan saying farewell to Newcastle United in May, 1984(Image: NEwcastle Chronicle)

"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.

"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.

- Lee Ryder

'ODDEST INTERVIEW I'VE EVER SEEN' - UNAI EMERY'S SCATHING ASTON VILLA TITLE VERDICT

Behind-the-scenes issues may have bled into Emery’s post-match reaction.

Unai Emery aired out his frustrations in public. | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery insisted his side are not among the favourites to even finish in the Premier League’s top five in a surprising interview which was branded “one of the oddest” ever seen by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

The Villans had the chance to close the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday but slumped to a bitterly disappointing 1–0 defeat to Everton, leaving them seven points behind in the title race but still comfortably in third.

Clearly frustrated at the result, Emery used his post-match press conference to follow Enzo Maresca, Ruben Amorim and Oliver Glasner in becoming the latest Premier League manager to leave eyebrows raised.

“We are not contender to be in the top five,” Emery told Sky Sports with emphasis on the final word. “We are [in the top five now] but we are still not being contenders.

“There are other teams with more potential than us.”

Asked why he felt that way, Emery fell silent, staring blankly with a subtle smile on his face before the interviewer promptly ended the conversation. “Thank you,” Emery responded immediately.

Ashley Young: ‘It’s Just Weird’

Aston Villa’s injury issues may have been part of the inspiration. | Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC/Getty Images

Considering Villa still sit seven points above Liverpool in fourth, with fifth-placed Manchester United a further point back, many were quick to question how Emery could believe his side, still level on points with Manchester City above them, are facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League.

“He looked really angry,” former Villa winger Ashley Young reflected. “It could be ... maybe the injuries? Maybe another one added to the list with John McGinn, missing Boubacar Kamara. Massive players—[Amadou] Onana as well.

“Is it the sale of Donyell Malen? Is it him speaking out to say to the owners, ‘Look at my squad, I need more players?’

“It was a weird interview, to be honest. We thought he’d speak more about the game and a missed opportunity of closing the gap on Arsenal. To then say there’s five other teams with more potential ... it’s just weird.”

Jamie Redknapp: ‘Up There With Benítez, Keegan’

Emery was visibly frustrated. | James Gill/Danehouse/Getty Images

Fellow pundit Redknapp was equally as puzzled by the interview, both in terms of its contents and Emery’s behaviour.

Drawing comparisons to Rafa Benítez’s famous rant at Sir Alex Ferguson from 2009 or Kevin Keegan’s 1996 outburst which was also triggered by the Man Utd legend, Redknapp insisted he could not understand Emery’s intentions.

“It wasn’t quite Rafa ‘Facts’ or Kevin Keegan’s ‘I’d love it if we beat them,’ but it was certainly one of the oddest interviews I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“The bit at the end where he’s saying ... he just goes quiet ... It was a very sensible question, she wasn’t asking anything difficult for him. I don’t know really what he’s trying to allude to. I guess he’s just genuinely devastated with the performance and the result.

“They do need players. We looked at what they have on the bench, they were short. They haven’t got the options. Harvey Elliott hasn’t worked out and wasn’t on the bench, Jadon Sancho was ill.

“It looks like Boubacar Kamara is going to be out for a long time and John McGinn has a problem with his knee. They will need to strengthen in that midfield area.”

- Tom Gott

LIVERPOOL SENDS ITS SUPPORT TO KEVIN KEEGAN

The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.

A legendary former Reds player, Keegan scored 100 goals in 323 appearances during a six-year spell at Anfield, with his honours at the club including three league titles, a European Cup, two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup.

In a statement today, the Keegan family said: "Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

"During this time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."

Keegan's playing career also saw him represent Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, and he subsequently went into management, taking charge of the Magpies twice, as well as Fulham, England and Manchester City.

All of us at LFC and official former players association Forever Reds send our best wishes to Kevin, his family and friends.

- Liverpool FC

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SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON: FORMER ENGLAND MANAGER SAYS HE HAS CANCER AND 'BEST CASE A YEAR' TO LIVE

Sven-Goran Eriksson says he has "best case a year" to live after being diagnosed with cancer.

The 75-year-old Swede was the first foreign coach to manage England and led the side to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cup and 2004 Euros.

"I'm going to resist for as long as I can," Eriksson told Swedish Radio P1.

"I have an illness that's serious. Best case a year, I have worst case a lot less. It's impossible to say exactly, so it's better to not think about it."

Eriksson, who had a 42-year career in management, stood down from his most recent role as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad 11 months ago because of health issues.

He said he was trying to stay positive and "make something good" from his cancer diagnosis.