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Football LIVE - Tributes pour in for Liverpool, Newcastle United and England legend Kevin Keegan after his passing aged 75

English football is reacting to the devastating news of Kevin Keegan's passing, which was confirmed on Monday afternoon. Newcastle United were among the first clubs to pay their own tribute to a man who served their club so well.

By James Hilsum | Updated 20/07/2026 at 21:48 GMT+1
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20:03
WINTER: 'FOOTBALLING SUPERSTAR'
Journalist Henry Winter has hailed Keegan both for his footballing ability and his impeccable personality off the pitch.

19:40
GILLESPIE: 'HEARTBREAKING'
Ex-Northern Ireland and Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie posted this in reaction to the news.

19:22
HOPE: 'YOUR DREAMS WERE IN HIS HANDS'
Journalist Craig Hope has offered a moving tribute to Keegan from a Newcastle United perspective.

18:57
UEFA GIVE THEIR CONDOLENCES

18:38
HARPER: 'WHAT AN INCREDIBLE MAN'
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper, who played under Keegan during his first spell, said: "Thank you for everything Gaffer. Newcastle United certainly wouldn’t be where it is without you. What an incredible man"

17:48
TUCHEL: KEEGAN WAS THE FIRST ENGLAND SUPERSTAR
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has offered a tribute to Keegan, calling him "the first England superstar".
He said: "I am so sad to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan.
"As a young football fan, he was the first England superstar I can remember watching growing up.
"He won every honour possible and to be named the best player in the world two times was an unbelievable achievement. You only need to think how fondly he is remembered by supporters at his clubs to see what a man he was. Of course, he also had that special experience of playing, captaining and managing his country.
"My thoughts are with his family and friends today, and all the fans who loved to watch him play.
"I know we will pay him a full tribute when we welcome Spain to Wembley Stadium in September. We will be honouring a true hero of English football."

16:57
QUINN: 'A PRIVILEGE TO WORSHIP HIM'
Micky Quinn played under Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United and said "it was a privilege to worship him as a kid playing for Liverpool."

16:50
MAN UNITED 'PROFOUNDLY SADDENED' BY KEEGAN'S PASSING
Kevin Keegan was a formidable managerial adversary of Sir Alex Ferguson's during the mid 1990s, and Manchester United showed just how much respect they have for the former Newcastle United manager.
The club say they are "profoundly saddened" by the loss of the great man.



16:46
CARRAGHER HAILS AN 'ABSOLUTE GIANT OF THE ENGLISH GAME'
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher hailed "an absolute giant of the English game" in his tribute on X.

16:40
REST IN PEACE 'MIGHTY MOUSE'
Kevin Keegan spent three years with Hamburg, winning a Bundesliga title and two Ballon d'Ors during his time at the club.
They refer to his famous "Mighty Mouse" moniker in their tribute published on the club's English X account.

16:33
HUTCHINSON LAUDS 'ONE OF THE GREATEST MEN'
TNT Sports pundit and co-commentator Don Hutchison revealed just how much Kevin Keegan meant to him, posting a picture of himself as a young boy with someone he describes as "one of the greatest men I’ve ever met in my life."

16:29
SHEARER: 'SLEEP EASY BOSS'
Legendary Newcastle United striker and the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer, Alan Shearer, wrote a short, but very sweet tribute to his former manager on X.

16:21
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KEEGAN STANDS ALONE AMONG ENGLISH FOOTBALLERS
Kevin Keegan is a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, something no other English player has ever done.

16:18
KEEGAN BROUGHT 'GREAT JOY' TO THE DELL
Kevin Keegan spent two years with Southampton between 1980 and 1982.
The Championship club described the "great joy" he brought to fans watching on at their iconic former ground, The Dell.

16:12
LIVERPOOL PRAISE KEEGAN'S 'INDOMITABLE SPIRIT'
Liverpool spoke about Kevin Keegan's "indomitable spirit" in their own tribute to the great man.
He won three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups and one European Cup in his six years at Anfield.

16:07
MAN CITY HAIL 'TRANSFORMATIVE MANAGER' KEEGAN
Kevin Keegan will be fondly remembered by all at Manchester City for taking the club back into the Premier League as manager in 2002.

16:03
ENGLAND REMEMBERS KEEGAN
The official England X account spoke about the legacy which Kevin Keegan leaves behind after representing The Three Lions as a player and manager.

15:58
TNT SPORTS REMEMBERS KING KEV

15:46
NEWCASTLE PAY TRIBUTE TO KEEGAN
Newcastle United have now posted their tribute to Kevin Keegan on the club website.
They wrote: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
"As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
"As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an entertainer.
Football

'World football loses one of its most defining personalities' as Keegan dies aged 75

20/07/2026 at 18:50
"Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
"Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.
"At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
"Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.
"Rest in peace, King Kev."