Liverpool and Newcastle United legendary forward Kevin Keegan died at the age of 75 after battling terminal stomach cancer..

Liverpool and Newcastle United announced on their official websites on Monday that Kevin Keegan, a legendary figure for both clubs, has sadly died at the age of 75 after battling terminal stomach cancer.

According to the obituary, Keegan's death was announced by his family at approximately 10 pm Asian time on Monday (July 20). The player, who left an important mark on the history of both Liverpool and Newcastle, passed away at home surrounded by his family.

Both Liverpool and Newcastle United expressed their deep sadness over Keegan's passing in their obituaries and extended their sincerest condolences and remembrance to his family, friends, former teammates, and all the staff and players who worked with him.

Because of Keegan's immense influence in British and European football, his passing was met with widespread mourning from clubs across Britain and Europe, the Football Association, UEFA, and FIFA. He was the first and only English player in football history to win the Ballon d'Or twice (1978 and 1979).

Sir Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool legend who succeeded Keegan after his departure at the time, wrote a heartbreaking obituary: "I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan."

"Keegan was one of the best players of his generation, wearing Liverpool's iconic number 7 shirt and achieving remarkable success.

"His achievements on the pitch were extraordinary, but he was also an exceptional person, a true gentleman."

"Keegan's excellent qualities did not disappear with his retirement. He became an outstanding manager, revitalizing Newcastle United with confidence, passion, and pride." 

"He left countless people with wonderful memories, and the teams he coached played fantastic games that fans loved."

"The world of football has lost a true legend."

"At this sad time, my thoughts are with Kevin's family and friends, including his wife Jean, Laura, and Sarah."

"Rest in peace, Kevin. You'll Never Walk Alone."

Newcastle United and England national team legend Alan Shearer said: "He was my hero, my coach, both at Newcastle and with the England national team."

"He was my friend, everyone loved him. Because of his passion, because of his energy, but most importantly because of his friendship. He loved football, he loved Newcastle United more than anything." "

It was an immense honor to know him. Kevin, we will miss you."

Keegan was diagnosed with stomach cancer in January 2026 after undergoing treatment for abdominal pain following a car accident. By the time he announced his diagnosis in June, the cancer had progressed to its terminal stage.

About Kevin Keegan

Keegan was born on February 14, 1951, in Amthorpe, England. Standing at 1.73 meters tall, he was an England international, primarily played as a center forward, but also capable of playing as a right winger or attacking midfielder. He was renowned for his dribbling, aerial ability, and goal-scoring prowess, earning him the nicknames "King Kev" or "Mighty Mouse."

As a child, Keegan was a Doncaster Rovers fan. At 15, while playing with friends, he was spotted by a scout from Scunthorpe United and invited to join their youth academy in 1967.

In 1970, Keegan completed his Scunthorpe United first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Swindon Town.

Shortly after his debut, Keegan's outstanding performances and high goal-scoring efficiency attracted the attention of several top-flight clubs in England at the time, including Arsenal, Birmingham City, Millwall, and Preston North End.

In the summer of 1981, Liverpool signed Keegan for £33,000 on the recommendation of then-Liverpool head scout Geoff Twentyman.

Initially hesitant to fully express himself in a star-studded team, the shy Keegan gradually learned to be more authentic under the guidance of the late legendary manager Sir Bill Shankly.

During his six-year spell with the Reds, Keegan made 323 appearances in all competitions, scoring 100 goals and providing 88 assists. He helped the team win three English First Division titles, two Community Shields, two European Cups, and one UEFA Cup. Individually, he won the Ballon d'Or twice and was ranked 14th on the list of the 100 greatest Liverpool players.

In the summer of 1977, Keegan joined Hamburg for £500,000, breaking the British and European highest transfer record at the time.

During his three-year spell at Hamburg, Keegan helped the team win one Bundesliga title and reach one European Cup final.

In February 1980, Keegan moved to Southampton for £420,000.

During his two-year spell with the Saints, despite continued excellent performances, a major falling out with then-manager Lawrie McMenemy led Keegan to consider leaving.

In the summer of 1982, Keegan moved to Newcastle United, the club his father had supported, for £100,000.

Although he failed to help the Magpies, then playing in the English Second Division achieve promotion, his passionate and outgoing personality still won him a large following among fans.

In the summer of 1984, knowing his stamina and pace had significantly declined with age, Keegan chose to retire. However, he made a brief comeback the following April, agreeing to play two games as a guest player for Blacktown City, an Australian non-league club, even scoring in his debut.

In the summer of 1992, Keegan, now eight years retired at the time, returned to Newcastle as manager.

During his four-and-a-half-year spell managing the Magpies, Keegan helped the club win one English First Division title and, in the summer of 1996, helped them sign Shearer for a then-world record transfer fee. However, after missing out on the Premier League title that year, he resigned in January 1997.

After leaving Newcastle, Keegan was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Fulham, and later became the team's interim manager.

During his time at the Cottagers, Keegan helped the club win the English Second Division title.

In February 1999, Keegan was appointed manager of the England national team.

Although he successfully helped the Three Lions qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea, he resigned due to a defeat to Germany in the qualifiers and a low win percentage.

In the summer of 2001, Keegan became manager of Manchester City. During his near four-year spell at the Cityzens, he helped the club win another English First Division title.

In the summer of 2005, Keegan retired, but agreed to return to management as manager of Newcastle United in January 2008.

However, due to a complete falling out with then-owner Mike Ashley, Keegan resigned in September of the same year.

After resigning, Keegan was appointed to the Premier League Arbitration Panel, where he repeatedly criticized Ashley publicly and made several unpaid returns to Liverpool's youth academy as an assistant coach until his full retirement in 2013.

Image source: Internet / Liverpool FC official website