The Liverpool icon and two-time Ballon d’Or winner is battling cancer

The family confirmed the news

In a public statement, Keegan’s family revealed the details that led to the diagnosis. They say he was recently admitted to the hospital for further tests due to “continued abdominal symptoms”.

“These tests revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will begin treatment. Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and constant care. During this difficult period, the family asks for privacy and will not make further comments,” the statement said.

One of the first clubs to announce was Newcastle United, where Keegan left an indelible mark as a playerč and as a manager.

​- King Kev. We are with you every step of the way. We hope for a complete and quick recovery – the club said via social networks.

One of the greatest of his generation

Joseph Kevin Keegan, born on February 14, 1951, is considered one of the best English footballers of all time. He started his professional career at Scunthorpe United in 1968, but his talent was quickly recognized by the legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, who brought him to Anfield three years later.

Keegan experienced stellar moments in the Reds jersey. Between 1971 and 1977, he played 323 games and scored exactly 100 goals. With Liverpool he won three league titles, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and, to top it all off, the Champions Cup in 1977 in his final season at Anfield. He was the heart of the team that dominated English and European football.

His departure from Liverpool was a shock to the fans, and Keegan continued his career in Germany’s HSV, becoming the highest paid player. Bundesliga. In Hamburg, he confirmed his world-class status, winning the title of German champion in 1979 and, more importantly, two Golden Balls in a row, in 1978 and 1979, placing his name alongside greats like Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer.

After Germany, he returned to England where he played for Southampton and then for Newcastle United. He achieved cult status at Newcastle, helping the club return to the First Division. His farewell in 1984 was spectacular, he left the stadium in a helicopter and still in his jersey, a scene that is still remembered today. He played 63 games for the English national team, scored 21 goals, and wore the captain’s armband on 31 occasions.

Turbulent but unforgettable coaching career

After his playing career, Keegan turned to coaching, and his style was equal parts exciting and unpredictable. He returned to Newcastle in 1992 and created a team known as “The Entertainers”, which played attacking and attractive football. In the 1995-96 season, they were on the verge of winning the Premier League, but in the legendary final, the championship was taken by Manchester United. His statement “I would love it if we beat them! Love it!” (I wish we could beat them! I really wish!), aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson, has become part of football folklore.

In addition to Newcastle, he led Fulham and Manchester City, which he also introduced to a higher level of the competition. From 1999 to 2000, he was also the coach of the English national team, with whom he played at Euro 2000, and he left the bench after losing to Germany in the World Cup qualifiers, in the last match played at the old Wembley.