Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died aged 75, his family have confirmed.
The ex-Newcastle and Liverpool forward had been diagnosed with stage four cancer nearly two months ago and has lost his battle with the disease.
Keegan is one of English football’s most successful players, winning the Ballon d’Or twice in the 1970s, and enjoying spells at Liverpool, Hamburg, Scunthorpe, Southampton and Newcastle as a player.
His managerial career was just as legendary, taking charge of Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.
A statement from his family read: “Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather,” it continued.
“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.”
Tributes have been flooding in across social media as the football world remembers Keegan, with Newcastle releasing a statement that said: “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. 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.”
A true English great
Keegan will always be remembered as a legend of the game. He is considered one of England’s greatest ever players, and made nearly 750 professional appearances across his career.
He won the First Division twice with Liverpool and remarkably won the Ballon d’Or back-to-back, while playing in Germany with Hamburg.
After retiring in 1984, Keegan took on his first managerial role seven years later with Newcastle, keeping the Magpies up and steering them into the Premier League in his first full season in charge.
In 1996, he famously brought the club within inches of winning the title, eventually falling just short at Manchester United’s expense.
After scoring 21 goals in 63 appearances for England, Keegan also took the reins of the national team in 1999.
His tenure lasted only 18 months, when he resigned after losing 1-0 to Germany in the final match played at the old Wembley Stadium.
A return to club football saw Keegan lead Manchester City to the Premier League in 2002, where he would stay until 2005, before announcing his retirement from football.
He made a brief comeback at St James’ Park in 2008, but lasted just a few months in charge of Newcastle, amid tensions with owner Mike Ashley.