Former England manager and Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has revealed that he is battling stage four cancer, months after his family confirmed he had been undergoing treatment.
As reported on Monday by BBC Sport, the 75-year-old made the revelation during a live appearance in Newcastle, where he received a standing ovation from supporters in attendance.
Keegan explained that the cancer was discovered incidentally after he was involved in a car accident that required surgery. During medical scans conducted ahead of the procedure, doctors identified the illness.
“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation,” he told the audience.
“Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer.”
The former England captain said he later met a specialist who discussed a new treatment approach with him, though he admitted the expected success rate surprised him.
“He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ‘33%.’ I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%! I’m still here at the moment,” he said.
During his illustrious career, Keegan played for Liverpool FC, Hamburger SV, Southampton FC and Newcastle United, winning major honours and twice being named European Footballer of the Year.
He later went on to manage Manchester City and the England national football team, as well as other clubs, cementing his reputation as one of English football’s most influential figures.
Keegan is especially remembered for leading Newcastle United’s famous “Entertainers” side in the 1990s, a team that challenged strongly for the Premier League title and earned widespread admiration for its attacking style.
During the event, he also spoke warmly about current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and expressed his desire to return to St James’ Park, a ground he has not visited since leaving the club in 2009.
Following the announcement, Newcastle United issued a statement expressing support for their former player and manager, describing him as a central figure in the club’s history and sending best wishes for his recovery.
Keegan’s family had previously revealed in January that he was receiving treatment after further medical investigations into ongoing abdominal symptoms. Since then, messages of support have continued to pour in from across the football world for one of England’s most iconic sporting figures.
