Kevin Keegan made his final public appearance just one month before his tragic death was announced. On Monday (July 20), the former England footballer and manager died at the age of 75 surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments, his family said. His passing came just seven months after he was diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Back in June, the Newcastle manager appeared alongside Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves in promotional footage and pictures for an event at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre. Keegan was seen wearing a light grey suit, which she teamed with a navy blue button-down shirt. It was reported at the time that the manager was in warm spirits as he greeted fans and spoke about returning to Newcastle, reassuring supporters following his cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.
The footballer managed was diagnosed with stage four cancer back in January (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Sky Sports presenter took to social media on behalf of his family to announce Keegan’s death in an emotional statement, which read: “Truly heartbroken to post this on behalf of the Keegan family…
“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. 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.”
The sportsman was best known for his impressive achievements as a Newcastle manager and a Liverpool player. Keegan went on to forge a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two UEFA Cups, as well as two Bundesliga titles between 1968 and 1984.
After retirement, Keegan turned to management, firstly taking charge of a struggling Newcastle United side in 1992 before steering them clear of relegation and leading them to the Premier League in his first full season in charge. His side became one of the most exciting teams in the early years of the Premier League, coming close to winning the league in 1996 before being narrowly pipped to the title.
It was during the run-in of that season that Keegan famously delivered his passionate “I’d love it” speech in a post-match interview as he attempted to put the pressure on league rivals Manchester United. He also won the Ballon d’Or back-to-back while playing for the German side Hamburg.
Newcastle United Supporters’ Club paid tribute to their former manager, describing him as “the one who made us dream”. They penned on X – formerly known as Twitter: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. The man who made us dream, the man who made us believe. There’s only one Kevin Keegan.”
Following a successful spell in charge of Fulham, Keegan went on to manage England, for whom he had scored 21 goals in 63 games as a player, leading them to a disappointing group stage exit in Euro 2000. Months later, Keegan quit just minutes after a World Cup qualifying defeat to Germany in the final game at the old Wembley.
A spell in charge of Manchester City followed, with Keegan leading them to promotion from Division One in 2002. He left the club and the game in 2005 before making an emotional return to Newcastle United in 2008.