Former England striker and manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family have confirmed. The 74-year-old football icon is set to undergo treatment after being admitted to hospital with ongoing abdominal symptoms.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Keegan’s family said medical investigations had revealed the diagnosis and thanked the healthcare professionals involved in his care.

“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care,” the statement read.
“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy and will be making no further comment.”

Messages of Support From Across Football

Tributes and messages of support have poured in from clubs and figures across the football world.

Newcastle United, where Keegan is revered as both a player and manager, posted a message to “King Kev” on social media, saying:
“We’re with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe described Keegan as “an absolute icon” of the club and an inspirational figure.

“He’s been so kind and generous with his time and words for me,” Howe said. “The whole city is behind him.”

Liverpool, Manchester City, the Football Association, the Premier League and numerous former clubs and players also issued messages expressing their support for Keegan and his family.

A Legendary Playing Career

Keegan enjoyed one of the most decorated playing careers in English football history. He rose to prominence at Liverpool, where he won:

• Three First Division titles
• The European Cup in 1977 (Liverpool’s first)
• An FA Cup
• Two UEFA Cups

He scored 100 goals in 323 appearances for the Reds before moving to Hamburg in 1977. There, he won the Bundesliga and was named European Footballer of the Year in consecutive seasons (1978 and 1979).

He later played for Southampton and Newcastle United, retiring in 1984. Keegan earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals and captaining his country 31 times.

Management and England Role

Keegan moved into management in the early 1990s, beginning with Newcastle United, where he guided the club from the second tier into the Premier League and became synonymous with thrilling, attacking football.

His Newcastle side famously finished runners-up to Manchester United in 1995-96 after surrendering a 12-point lead, a season remembered for Keegan’s emotional “I would love it if we beat them” interview.

He later managed Fulham, England, Manchester City, and had a brief return to Newcastle in 2008.

Keegan was appointed England manager in 1999 but resigned in 2000 following a defeat by Germany in a World Cup qualifier — the final international match played at the old Wembley Stadium.

A Respected Figure

Across clubs and generations, Keegan remains one of English football’s most influential and admired figures — celebrated not only for his achievements, but for the attacking philosophy and passion he brought to the game.

Football continues to unite in wishing him strength and recovery as he begins treatment.