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Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Kevin Keegan dies at 75

7/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kevin Keegan died at 75 on 20 July 2026 after stage-four cancer, with wife Jean and their two daughters at his side.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, earned 63 England caps, and captured four Liverpool league titles, an FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the 1977 European Cup.
He later managed Newcastle, England, Manchester City and Fulham, guiding Newcastle to promotion and a 1996 title challenge.

History

Historical Context

England earned its only World Cup title on 30 July 1966 when Alf Ramsey’s side defeated West Germany 4-2 at Wembley before 98,000 spectators. The triumph, achieved by the first English-speaking host nation, cemented a legacy that shaped English clubs, national squads and youth programmes for decades, influencing later generations of players and coaches.

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Story summary

Kevin Keegan died at 75 on 20 July 2026 after stage-four cancer, with wife Jean and their two daughters at his side.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, earned 63 England caps, and captured four Liverpool league titles, an FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the 1977 European Cup.
He later managed Newcastle, England, Manchester City and Fulham, guiding Newcastle to promotion and a 1996 title challenge.

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