Kevin Keegan, two‑time Ballon d’Or winner, dies at 75 after cancer battle
Kevin Keegan, former England captain and two‑time Ballon d’Or winner, died on 20 July 2026 at the age of 75. His family announced that he passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters after a battle with stage‑four cancer that was first disclosed in January.
Keegan’s playing career included three English league titles, an FA Cup, a European Cup and two UEFA Cups with Liverpool, followed by a Bundesliga title and consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979 while at Hamburger SV. He also featured for Southampton and Newcastle United and earned 63 caps, scoring 21 goals for England.
As a manager he is best remembered for reviving Newcastle United, guiding them from the third tier to the Premier League and leading them to a title‑challenge in the 1995‑96 season. He later managed England from 1999 to 2000. Tributes poured in from Liverpool, Newcastle United, Hamburg and the wider football community, describing him as an iconic and influential figure in the sport.