Former England manager and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan has passed away the age of 75.

Keegan announced in January that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments, his family said.

A family statement read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Keegan was considered one of the greatest players of his generation, making nearly 750 club appearances for Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle, having started at Scunthorpe United.

In a trophy-laden career, Keegan won 10 major team trophies as a player, including three First Division titles with Liverpool, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup, the European Cup and two Charity Shields.

After moving to Hamburg, he added the Bundesliga title in 1978–79. On an individual level, Keegan also won the Ballon d’Or back-to-back while playing for the German side.

Having scored twice in the 1974 FA Cup final win over Newcastle at Wembley, Keegan was back under the Twin Towers three months later for the Charity Shield curtain-raiser to the new domestic campaign against Brian Clough’s Leeds.

Keegan, earlier punched in the face by Johnny Giles, was dismissed following a brawl with Scottish midfielder Billy Bremner, both men taking off their shirts as they trudged from the pitch. The fracas resulted in each player being fined £500 and handed two-month bans by the Football Association.

After retirement, Keegan turned to management, firstly taking charge of a struggling Newcastle United side in 1992 before steering them clear of relegation and leading them to the Premier League in his first full season in charge.

His side became one of the most exciting teams in the early years of the Premier League, coming close to winning the league in 1996 before being narrowly pipped to the title by 1996.

It was during the run-in of that season that Keegan famously delivered his passionate “I’d love it” speech in a post-match interview as he attempted to put the pressure onto league rivals Manchester United.

Following a successful spell in charge of Fulham, Keegan went on to manage England, for whom he had scored 21 goals in 63 games as a player, leading them to a disappointing group stage exit in Euro 2000.

Months later, Keegan quit just minutes after a World Cup qualifying defeat to Germany in the final game at the old Wembley.

A spell in charge of Manchester City followed, with Keegan leading them to promotion from Division One in 2002.

He left the club and the game in 2005 before making an emotional return to Newcastle United in 2008.

Former club Newcastle United posted a lengthy tribute to their former manager on X, describing him as “the beating heart of Newcastle United”.

They said: “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.

“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.”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was amongst those leading tributes to the club’s former striker, calling him “a giant of our game.”

He said: “One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, two time Balon dor winner shows he was a giant of our game.

“One of the most important men in making Liverpool FC what it is today.”