England great Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after a period of illness.
The prolific forward scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England including captaining his country at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™. He went on to coach the Three Lions between 1999 and 2000, leading them to the UEFA EURO 2000 and into their qualifying campaign for Korea/Japan 2002 before resigning.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” read a family statement. “Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.”
Keegan, who was twice named European footballer of the year in addition to lifting the biggest prizes in club football, had a distinguished playing career which started out with Scunthorpe United. He achieved worldwide fame with Liverpool, winning three English league titles, an FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the UEFA European Cup in 1977.
“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan,” read a statement from the Anfield club. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin's family and friends at this hugely difficult time... Our 'Mighty Mouse', his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history.”
He then moved abroad to Hamburg, leading them to win the Bundesliga title in 1979 and the final of the European Cup in 1980. It was in Germany when he won the Ballon d'Or in consecutive years, in 1978 and 1979.
He then returned to England to play for Southampton and later Newcastle United, where he retired in 1984. He came out of retirement a year later to play twice as a guest player for Australian side Blacktown City.
He later moved into coaching, enjoying great success with Newcastle, who he led to promotion from the Premier League and then to finish second following an unforgettable title race with Manchester United. He then took charge of Fulham before his tenure with England, which was followed by a four-year stint at Manchester City and a brief return to Newcastle.
“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,” read a statement from Newcastle. “Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.”
Sources: FIFA Official
