Former England and Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has disclosed that he is living with stage four cancer.
Diagnosis and latest update
Keegan’s family revealed in January that the 75-year-old had received the diagnosis after he was taken to hospital for assessment of “ongoing abdominal symptoms”.
Over the weekend, Keegan gave a health update during a public appearance at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle.
He said: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him.”
Support from Newcastle
Newcastle United moved quickly to send encouragement to Keegan and his family.
- The club expressed “heartfelt support and warmest wishes” to Keegan.
- In a message shared on X, Newcastle wrote that everyone at the club is behind him and sending strength and best wishes for the journey ahead.
Career highlights on and off the pitch
Keegan’s playing career included a defining spell with Liverpool, where he was brought in by Bill Shankly in 1971.
- During his time at Anfield, he won the English league title three times.
- He also helped deliver the 1977 European Cup.
After leaving Liverpool, Keegan joined Hamburg in 1977 and enjoyed further personal success in Germany.
- He was twice named European footballer of the year during his spell with the German club.
Keegan later returned to England to continue his playing career with Southampton and Newcastle.
- He earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals.
- He also captained the national team.
Coaching career and desire to say goodbye
Keegan later moved into management, twice taking charge of Newcastle during his coaching career.
- He also managed Fulham and Manchester City.
- He had a role as England manager as well.
Speaking at the weekend event, Keegan said he would like to return to St James’ Park to say goodbye, explaining that he never had the chance the first time he left the club.
“I want to say goodbye,” he said. “I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time.”
