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Kevin Keegan, a former captain and manager of the England football team, has died at the age of 75 after being treated for cancer, his family said.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a statement from Keegan's family read. "The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments."
Born in Armthorpe, Yorkshire, in 1951, Keegan began his playing career at Scunthorpe United before moving to Liverpool in 1971. At Anfield, he won three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup and the 1977 European Cup, scoring 100 goals in 323 appearances for the club.
In 1977, Keegan moved to Hamburg, where he won the Bundesliga title and was named European Footballer of the Year, now known as the Ballon d'Or, in both 1978 and 1979. The back-to-back awards made him one of only four English players to win the honor.
Keegan returned to England in 1980 to play for Southampton before joining Newcastle United, where he finished his playing career. He captained the England national team from 1976 and represented the country at the 1982 World Cup, earning 63 caps and scoring 21 goals in total.
After retiring as a player, Keegan moved into management, taking charge of Newcastle United, Fulham, the England national team and Manchester City. His time at Newcastle in the 1990s, in particular, was defined by an attacking style of play that made the team known as "the Entertainers."
Keegan had revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. Beyond his achievements on the pitch, he was known in the 1970s for a public profile that extended beyond football, including a period as a recording artist and a widely recognized personal style that was copied by other players across Europe.
Tributes for Keegan poured in from across the football world following news of his death.
"Everyone at Scunthorpe United is devastated to hear of the passing of former player Kevin Keegan at the age of 75," Scunthorpe United said in a statement. The English Football Association issued a similar statement on behalf of the national team.
Newcastle United, where Keegan spent time as both a player and manager, said: "Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters."
Britain's Prince William said he was "incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan," describing him as "a truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game." He added that Keegan would "above all" be remembered as "a kind and generous man."
Liverpool FC, where Keegan won three trophies during his playing career, also paid tribute, saying his "indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history" and that his legacy would "live on."
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