FORMER Liverpool, Newcastle United and England legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after battling stage four cancer.
Keegan, who had been undergoing treatment since January, died surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Affectionately known as "Mighty Mouse", Keegan began his professional career with Scunthorpe United before rising to prominence at Liverpool, where he established himself as one of England’s finest footballers.
AFP cited that during six successful seasons at Anfield, he helped Liverpool win three English First Division titles, the 1974 FA Cup and the 1977 European Cup before joining German club Hamburg.
Keegan continued his success in Germany, leading Hamburg to the Bundesliga title in 1979 and guiding the club to the European Cup final the following year.
The former England captain scored 21 goals in 63 international appearances and cemented his place among football’s elite by winning the Ballon d’Or in consecutive years, in 1978 and 1979.
He later returned to England to play for Southampton before bringing his distinguished playing career to a close with Newcastle United in 1984.
Newcastle United described Keegan’s death as a profound loss for the club, saying he was "one of the most iconic, influential and beloved figures in the club's history".
The club added that Keegan left an enduring legacy not only as a player and manager, but also as the man who transformed Newcastle United’s identity and rekindled the passion and pride of its supporters through an exciting and entertaining style of football. - July 21, 2026
