Kevin Keegan, the famed former England international, club star and manager, has been diagnosed with cancer, his family confirmed on Wednesday.
In a statement released via Newcastle United — one of the clubs he both played for and managed — the 74-year-old was said to have been admitted to hospital after experiencing ongoing abdominal symptoms. Medical investigations during his stay identified cancer, and Keegan is now preparing to undergo treatment.
“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care,” the family’s message said, adding that they were asking for privacy during this difficult period and would not be providing further comment at this stage.
Keegan, affectionately known as “King Kev”, is widely regarded as one of English football’s iconic figures. His playing career included successful spells with Liverpool — where he won multiple league titles, major domestic and European honours — as well as standout stints with Hamburg in Germany, Southampton and Newcastle United. He also won 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals.
After retiring as a player, Keegan enjoyed a long managerial career that included guiding Newcastle United to the brink of a Premier League title in the mid-1990s, as well as managerial roles with England, Fulham and Manchester City.
Messages of support have poured in from across the football community, with former clubs and fans expressing their best wishes for Keegan’s recovery. Clubs such as Liverpool and Newcastle United publicly extended their support, urging fans to stand with the legendary figure as he begins his treatment.
Further details on his condition and treatment plan are not yet public, as the family and medical team continue to focus on his care.