England and Liverpool icon Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 as tributes pour in

England and Liverpool great Kevin Keegan has died aged 75.

The legendary former player and manager had been battling stage four cancer.

In a statement, the Keegan family said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, 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 a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Keegan had revealed at the start of June the devastating news that he was fighting stage four stomach cancer.

His family had confirmed in January that he had been diagnosed, before his condition worsened last month.

He said, per the Daily Mail, at the time: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer.

“He was a Liverpool supporter, so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.”

Tributes pour in

England have released a statement to pay tribute to former player and manager Keegan following the sad news.

They wrote: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.

Getty

“Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the Three Lions from 1999 to 2000.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”

Keegan also played for and managed Newcastle during his career, going on to become a ‘giant’ of their history.

The club have paid tribute too, writing: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.

“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.

“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

PA

Getty

“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.

“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy. Rest in peace, King Kev.”

Keegan also featured 78 times for Southampton during his playing career, scoring 43 goals and providing 13 assists.

Getty

And the Saints have sent their own tribute to the legend, writing: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan.

“Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Keegan’s iconic career

Keegan is widely considered one of the greats of his generation, playing almost 750 club games during his career.

Before his spells at Newcastle and Southampton, he played 363 times for Liverpool and became a club icon.

He scored 100 goals for the club, winning three First Division Championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and a European Cup.

Getty

The former forward also had success playing for Hamburg in Germany, netting 40 goals when playing in Europe.

He picked up his two Ballons d’Or while at the club, collecting the award in back-to-back campaigns in 1978 and 1979.

On the international stage, Keegan picked up 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals for his country and providing nine assists.

He played in one World Cup game and three Euros clashes, spanning across his decade-long career with the Three Lions.

Following retirement from playing the game, Keegan returned to Newcastle, where he had spent two years as a player.

He went on to spend another five years as manager, taking charge of 251 matches in total, winning 138 of them and coming close to winning their first top-flight title since 1927 in 1996.

Getty

After leaving in 1997, the legend was next appointed as Fulham boss, before then being named England manager.

Keegan led the nation for almost two years, winning seven of his 18 games in charge, drawing another seven and losing four.

This is a developing story and is being updated.

For the latest updates, breaking news alerts, and comprehensive analysis, refresh this page or follow our real-time news coverage by watching and listening to talkSPORT live.

For broader context, explore related coverage on our homepage for the top trending stories. For the latest talkSPORT videos, download the app.

talkSPORT cares about getting it right, not just getting it first and because this is a developing situation, details will change. We will be updating this page constantly with verified info, expert takes, and official statements.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to break.