Kevin Keegan: former England manager diagnosed with cancer

Kevin Keegan, the former England and Newcastle United manager, has been diagnosed with cancer, his family has confirmed.

Keegan, 74, was recently admitted to hospital after experiencing ongoing abdominal symptoms. Tests have since confirmed an undisclosed form of cancer, and he is now set to undergo treatment.

In a statement shared by Newcastle United, Keegan’s family said he was “grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care” and requested privacy during what they described as a difficult time. No further details about his condition have been made public.

A defining figure in English football

Keegan is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in English football, both as a player and a manager. During a glittering playing career, he represented clubs including Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle, while earning 63 caps for England and captaining the national side on 31 occasions.

He enjoyed major success at club level, winning three English league titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups and the FA Cup with Liverpool, before lifting the Bundesliga title with Hamburg. His individual brilliance was recognised with back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979.

Managerial career and legacy

After retiring from playing, Keegan moved into management, most memorably during two spells in charge of Newcastle United. His first tenure, beginning in 1992, saw him revitalise the club and guide them back to the top flight.

His Newcastle side, famously nicknamed “The Entertainers”, led the Premier League for much of the 1995–96 season before finishing runners-up to Manchester United in one of the most dramatic title races in English football history.

Keegan later managed Fulham, Manchester City and the England national football team, taking charge of England between 1999 and 2000. His spell as national team manager proved challenging and ended following a defeat to Germany in the final match played at the old Wembley Stadium.

He returned briefly to Newcastle in 2008, a turbulent spell marked by boardroom tensions. In 2009, an independent Premier League arbitration tribunal ruled in Keegan’s favour over constructive dismissal and awarded him £2 million in damages.

Privacy requested

Keegan has largely remained out of the public eye in recent years. His family has asked for privacy as he begins treatment, with messages of support expected from across the football world.