The Prince of Wales has led tributes to Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75.
In a personally signed message posted on social media, Prince William, the FA’s patron and its former president, described Keegan as “a truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.”
He added: “Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.”
The Football Association also expressed its sorrow, stating on the official England X account that it was “incredibly saddened” by the news.
The Prince of Wales has led tributes to Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75
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Keegan, who became a beloved figure at both Liverpool and Newcastle United as both player and manager, had been receiving treatment for stage four cancer. His death was confirmed on Monday afternoon.
His family confirmed the news in a statement that read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.”
They revealed that Keegan had been fighting cancer and that his wife and daughters were at his side during his final moments.
“A double Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather,” the family added.
Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game. Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who… https://t.co/h0h6va4OIr
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 20, 2026
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair was among those paying tribute on Monday, hailing Keegan as “an extraordinary talent as a player huge skill combined with an outstanding commitment. And a great coach. But most of all, on and off the pitch, he had a fantastic spirit.”
Mr Blair recalled their first meeting in the Newcastle dressing room ahead of a match during the 1990s, and a memorable occasion when Keegan, then dealing with the former Prime Minister as leader of the opposition, gave him a lesson in heading the ball.
He described Keegan as “just a thoroughly decent man with a strong sense of values and a belief, not only in the game of football, but also in Britain as a nation.”
The former Prime Minister painted a vivid picture of a man whose character never wavered across the decades, from those early encounters in the North East to social gatherings in later years. He called Keegan “an effervescent, never-give-up, irrepressible proud patriot of Britain.”
In a personally signed message posted on social media, Prince William, the FA’s patron and its former president, described Keegan as ‘a truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game’
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Mr Blair offered “my deepest condolence to Jean and all his family.”
Newcastle United also issued a statement on Monday afternoon, calling Keegan “the beating heart of Newcastle for generations of supporters.” Few figures in the club’s history have commanded such devotion, having served the Tyneside outfit in two separate spells as both a player and a manager across different eras.
Keegan’s remarkable playing career began at Scunthorpe before Bill Shankly brought him to Anfield in 1971. At Liverpool, he forged a devastating attacking partnership with Welsh striker John Toshack, collecting three First Division titles, an FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the European Cup in 1977.
He then moved to Hamburg in West Germany, where he was named European Footballer of the Year on two occasions, making him the sole British player to have claimed the honour, now known as the Ballon d’Or, more than once.
A return to English football followed in the summer of 1980 when he signed for Southampton, before a switch to Newcastle, then in the Second Division. He helped the Magpies secure promotion to the top tier before hanging up his boots.
On the international stage, Keegan earned 63 caps for England, netting 21 goals, and represented his country at the 1982 World Cup.
Keegan’s transition into management began at Newcastle in 1992, where he guided the club into the Premier League and mounted a thrilling but ultimately unsuccessful challenge for the 1995-96 title, finishing behind Manchester United.
He departed St James’ Park in January 1997 and had a short spell in charge at Fulham before taking on the England job in 1999, succeeding Glenn Hoddle.