English footballing great Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75. The former Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle United and England star left an indelible mark on the sport as both a player and manager.
Early career at Scunthorpe United
Keegan began his professional career at Scunthorpe United, where he was spotted as a young talent. He moved to Liverpool in 1971, making his debut against Nottingham Forest and scoring after just 12 minutes. He went on to become the club's top scorer that season.
Liverpool glory years
At Liverpool, Keegan won three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, and the European Cup in 1977. He also lifted the FA Cup in 1974. His partnership with John Toshack was legendary, and he was known for his tireless running and goal-scoring ability. Keegan scored 100 goals in 323 appearances for the club.
Move to Hamburg and European Footballer of the Year
After the 1977 European Cup win, Keegan moved to Hamburg, where he won the Bundesliga in 1979 and was twice voted European Footballer of the Year (1978 and 1979). He also received the Ballon d'Or in 1979. Keegan spent three seasons in Germany, scoring 32 goals in 90 appearances.
England career
Keegan earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals. He captained the side and was a key player in the 1982 World Cup, though he only played 26 minutes due to injury. Despite being England's best player for a decade, his World Cup minutes were limited.
Return to England: Southampton and Newcastle
Keegan returned to England in 1980, joining Southampton, where he scored 37 goals in 68 appearances. In 1982, he moved to Newcastle United, helping the club win the Division Two title in 1984 and securing promotion to the top flight. He retired as a player in 1984.
Managerial career
Keegan returned to Newcastle as manager in 1992, saving them from relegation to the Third Division and leading them to promotion the following season. He famously lost his cool in a 1996 interview with Sky Sports after Alex Ferguson's mind games. He later managed England from 1999 to 2000, resigning after a 1-0 loss to Germany at Wembley. He also managed Manchester City, winning the First Division championship in 2002.
According to the Guardian, Keegan's death was announced on 20 July 2026. He is remembered as one of English football's greatest talents.
