Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Kevin Keegan dies aged 75

Former England international and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75. According to Sky Sports, Keegan’s family announced his death. He had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

 “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” the family said in a statement. His relatives thanked Keegan’s medical team for their care and support and asked that the family’s privacy be respected.

Keegan’s cancer diagnosis was made public in January 2026. In June, the former England captain revealed that the disease had reached stage four.

Keegan is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in English football history. 

He won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, becoming one of the few players to claim the award in consecutive years. During his time at Liverpool, the striker won three English league titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup, and the 1977 European Cup. Over the course of his playing career, Keegan also represented Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United. 

He earned numerous caps for England and served as captain of the national team for many years. As a manager, Keegan was in charge of Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City and the England national team. His Newcastle side of the 1990s became renowned for its attacking style of football and challenged for the English league title.