England football icon Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer after being admitted to hospital for further investigation of persistent abdominal problems.
The former England manager and Liverpool hero, now 74, was taken into care in recent days following ongoing symptoms that prompted doctors to carry out urgent tests.
Portrait of Kevin Keegan, retired football player. 5 The Liverpool icon is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all timeCredit: Getty
His family later released a statement confirming the devastating news.
“Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” it read.
“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy and will be making no further comment.”
A spokesperson for Newcastle United also paid tribute to their former player and manager.
“Our former player and manager, Kevin Keegan, will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer following his admission to hospital. King Kev — we’re with you every step of the way and hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”
Keegan was prolific in front of goal as a Newcastle player, scoring 49 league goals in just two seasonsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The announcement came as Newcastle prepared to face Leeds United at St James’ Park, with the mood around the ground turning emotional as the news broke.
Messages of love and support quickly flooded social media.
Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer shared the statement on X alongside a prayer emoji, while an England football spokesperson wrote: “Sending our best wishes. We’re all with you, Kevin.”
Liverpool FC added: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.”
Former team-mate and close friend John Anderson admitted he was stunned when he heard the news.
Kevin Keegan, manager of the England national football team, wearing a red, white, and blue tracksuit. 5 The Liverpool icon is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all timeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“It’s not what you expect to hear,” he said at St James’ Park. “I’m sure every Newcastle United fan sends him all their love and best wishes. Not only did he resurrect this club, he did it twice — first as a player in the 80s and then again as a manager. I think tonight will have an even more special atmosphere because of what’s happened.”
Manchester City also issued a statement on X, sending strength and love to Kevin and his family.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest English footballers of all time, Keegan enjoyed a glittering playing career. He won three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup and a European Cup with Liverpool, as well as being crowned Ballon d’Or twice — the only Englishman ever to achieve the honour.
As a manager, he remains famous for his emotional “I would love it if we beat them” rant directed at Sir Alex Ferguson during Newcastle’s dramatic title collapse in 1996, when the Magpies surrendered a 13-point lead to Manchester United.
Keegan spent two seasons on Tyneside as a player before returning to the club as manager, taking Newcastle from the brink of relegation in the third tier back to the Premier League in just two seasons. He later guided them to two consecutive second-place finishes and a UEFA Cup quarter-final.
In 1999, he became England manager, succeeding Glenn Hoddle. His squad featured stars such as Alan Shearer, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Gary Neville and David Seaman, and he handed debuts to Tim Sherwood and Ray Parlour. He resigned in October 2000 after a defeat to Germany in a World Cup qualifier.
Across his club career, Keegan scored 204 goals in 592 appearances, adding 21 goals in 63 games for England.
The devoted husband of 51 years and father of two is being supported by his wife Jean and close family as he prepares to begin treatment.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
