Former England striker and manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family has confirmed.
Now aged 74, Keegan enjoyed a distinguished playing career that saw him represent clubs including Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, winning the European Footballer of the Year award twice.
Following his retirement from playing, Keegan moved into management, taking charge of Newcastle United, Fulham, the England national team and Manchester City.
In a statement released by his family, it was revealed that Keegan was recently admitted to hospital after experiencing ongoing abdominal issues.
“Kevin was recently hospitalised for further investigations relating to persistent abdominal problems,” the statement said.
“Tests have since confirmed a diagnosis of cancer, and Kevin will now begin treatment. He is grateful for the care he has received and the continued support of the medical team.
“At this difficult time, the family kindly ask for privacy and will not be issuing further statements.”
Read Also:
- AFCON 2025: Chelle praises Super Eagles’ determination, calls for focus after victory
- Chelsea appoint Rosenior as manager on a 6-year contract
- Anthony Joshua contemplates retirement after tragic car accident
Newcastle United paid tribute to the club legend on social media, posting: “We’re with you every step of the way. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, King Kev.”
Ahead of Newcastle’s match against Leeds United on Wednesday, manager Eddie Howe described the news as deeply upsetting.
“This is really sad news,” Howe told Sky Sports. “Kevin is an absolute icon of this football club, both as a player and a manager. He’s a truly inspirational figure.
“I’ve met him a few times and he has always been incredibly kind and generous. We all wish him well, and the entire city is behind him.”
After the game, Howe added that Keegan’s influence still shapes the club’s ambitions.
“We want to build a team similar to Kevin’s Newcastle—one that excites supporters and keeps them believing until the final whistle. That spirit defined his team, and we hope to recreate it.”
Liverpool also issued a message of support, saying: “Everyone at the club is thinking of Kevin at this time. All of us at LFC and the Forever Reds association send our best wishes to Kevin, his family, and friends.”
Manchester City, the Football Association, the Premier League, and several other clubs also expressed their support and solidarity.
Keegan began his professional career at Scunthorpe United in 1968 before joining Liverpool under legendary manager Bill Shankly three years later.
During his time at Anfield, he helped the club win three league titles, the 1977 European Cup, an FA Cup, and two UEFA Cups, scoring 100 goals in 323 appearances.
He later moved to Hamburg in 1977, where he was the Bundesliga’s top scorer during their 1978–79 title-winning campaign and was crowned European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979.
