Kevin Keegan, one of England’s most decorated footballers and former England national team manager, has died at the age of 75, according to BBC reporting. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner passed away seven weeks after publicly revealing his diagnosis of stage four cancer.
In a statement, the family noted that Keegan was "surrounded by his wife and daughters" in his final moments. The family thanked his medical team for their support and requested privacy and peace from the public.
During his playing career, Keegan featured for Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle. Following his retirement from playing, he managed Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City, and also served as the England national team manager.
The family announced in January that Keegan was battling cancer, and he himself revealed in June that it was stage four, the most advanced form of the disease, indicating it had spread to other parts of the body.
Newcastle United paid tribute to Keegan, describing him as "one of the most iconic, influential and beloved figures in the club's history". In a club statement, reported by the BBC, they added that his impact would not be measured by appearances and results, but by the memories he created with the club and national team, and the generations of fans he inspired around the world.
