Kevin Keegan Dies At 75

Newcastle United mourns the loss of their iconic former player and coach Kevin Keegan

Newcastle United described him as one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history. For a time in the 1970s, Keegan transcended the English game with his celebrity status. He was a player who dovetailed nimbleness and an eye for goal with a relentless hunger and work rate stemming from his working-class upbringing in northern England. Beyond the pitch, he was a trendsetter, known for his signature perm—which other footballers across Europe began to copy—and his move into celebrity culture, which included releasing a single, appearing in an after-shave advertisement with heavyweight boxing great Henry Cooper, and making appearances on television shows.

Hamburger SV and Liverpool accolades defined Kevin Keegan’s path to two Ballons d’Or

Keegan’s playing career included spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle. During a six-year spell at Liverpool from 1971 to 1977, he claimed three league titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup. He was a trailblazer as one of the first English players to move to a continental team when he left Liverpool for German club Hamburger SV. It was there that he helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga and earned back-to-back Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979. He remains one of only four English players to have won the award to date. He also featured in the 1980 European Cup final, a loss to Nottingham Forest. For England, he scored 21 times in 63 games and played at the 1982 World Cup.

Sir Alex Ferguson credits Kevin Keegan for re-energizing the Newcastle United squad

As a manager, his 16-year career from 1992 to 2008 included stints at Fulham, Manchester City, England, and Newcastle. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson saluted Keegan for building what he considered Newcastle’s “greatest team.” Although Newcastle did not win the title under Keegan, Ferguson noted, I have to say the job he did at Newcastle was fantastic. He re-energised that club and he brought that enthusiasm and fanaticism that great supporters can give. Ferguson added that Keegan added class to the team by signing players like David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, and Philippe Albert.

For more on this story, see Kevin Keegan: The Legendary English Striker Who Defined an Era at Hamburger SV.

Alan Shearer, whom Keegan signed for a world-record £15m fee for Newcastle in 1996, paid tribute to his former manager. He was my friend. A man everyone loved. For his passion. For his energy but most of all for his friendship. He loved football and he loved Newcastle more than anything, Shearer said. I'm so honoured to have known him. We will miss you Kevin.

Current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, appointed in 2021, also reflected on Keegan’s mentorship. Kevin was an inspiration to me as a young player and, I'm honoured to say, a friend whose guidance and support meant a great deal in recent years, Howe said. He showed me incredible warmth and generosity. He had already given so much to this football club, yet he immediately made me feel welcome.

Former Scotland and Liverpool forward Sir Kenny Dalglish described Keegan as one of the very best players of his generation who wore Liverpool's famous number seven shirt with great distinction. Dalglish added, His achievements on the pitch were exceptional, but he was also a wonderful person and genuine gentleman.

Sources: BBC, AP News.