Football world mourns Kevin Keegan: Heartbroken Alan Shearer pays tribute to his ‘hero’, Jamie Carragher hails ‘one of the greatest players this country has ever produced’, while Prince William says he ‘inspired generations’
Alan Shearer led the tribute to football legend Kevin Keegan, who died aged 75 after a short battle with illness.
Keegan, who was hospitalized with abdominal problems in January, was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer.
His family said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kevin Keegan at the age of 75. The former England player and manager was battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
‘Double Ballon d’Or winner Kevin was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. ‘This is an extremely difficult time and they are demanding space and privacy.’
Following the tragic news, figures from across the football world were quick to pay their respects to Keegan, who represented Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle and later managed the Magpies (twice), Fulham, England and Manchester City.
Newcastle legend Shearer said: ‘I’m a hero. My manager. My friend. Rest easy Boss.’
Alan Shearer and Jamie Carragher led the tributes following the passing of football legend Kevin Keegan (photo taken after winning the European Cup with Liverpool in 1977).
Keegan is one of the best English players ever and has had a successful managerial career.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: ‘RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, countless trophies and goals, a double Ballon d’Or award show that he is an absolute giant of English football.
‘One of the key men who made @LFC what it is today.’
The FA’s official boss, Prince William, said: ‘I am incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
‘A truly remarkable footballer and manager who has inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.
‘Above all he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew him. W.’
Former England captain David Beckham said: ‘A very sad day to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
‘He is a very kind man to me and my family xx. Sending lots of love and thoughts to his family and friends.’
Some of Keegan’s former clubs, including Newcastle, also shared their own tributes.
They said on social media: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and best-loved figures in our club’s history.
‘Kevin was much more than a legendary player and manager. ‘He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations.’
Liverpool shared a heartfelt post which read: ‘We are deeply saddened and mourn the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan.
‘His indomitable spirit and extraordinary contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace Kevin. 1951-2026.’
Former Reds star John Aldridge said: ‘I have received some really sad news.
‘The great Kevin Keegan has passed away! As a huge LFC fan in my youth, it gave me great joy and says “Never meet your heroes”?
‘Yes I did!! Roger Hunt and KK have surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with his entire family. God bless Kevin YNWA.’
A forward during his playing days, Keegan made 63 appearances for England before later managing the Three Lions.
They also published a tribute saying: ‘We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.
‘Kevin made 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000.
‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.’
Shearer pictured with then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan after signing for the club in 1996
Heartfelt tributes poured in to Keegan from names and clubs across the football world.
Former Newcastle owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi added: ‘I was devastated to hear the news of Kevin Keegan. Having grown up watching football, he was one of the defining figures of an era, a double Ballon d’Or winner, European Cup winner, England captain and one of the most exciting players football has ever seen.
‘But what he did at Newcastle was different. He turned belief into something you could feel in the stadium.
‘King Kev wasn’t just admired, he was loved because everything he did came from the heart. Rest in peace Kevin. Thank you for everything you give to the game.’
During his managerial career, Keegan took Fulham from League Two (now League One) to League One (now Championship).
And the Cottagers shared some words for the football legend, saying: ‘We are incredibly saddened to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away.
‘A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999. He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager.
‘Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.’
Manchester City, one of the teams Keegan managed, added: ‘Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
‘Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vitality to the City during his four-year tenure.
‘The promotion campaign of 2001-02 will never be forgotten and Kevin once again turned us into the best team in the Premier League in the years that followed. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this difficult time.’
