Mantan Manajer Timnas Inggris Kevin Keegan Meninggal Dunia

Mantan pemain dan manajer tim nasional Inggris Kevin Keegan meninggal dunia pada usia 75 tahun setelah berjuang melawan penyakit kanker pada Senin, 20 Juli 2026.

Keluarga mendiang mengonfirmasi bahwa peraih gelar Ballon d'Or dua kali tersebut mengembuskan napas terakhir dengan didampingi oleh istri dan anak-anak perempuannya, setelah sebelumnya didiagnosis mengidap kanker stadium empat pada Januari lalu.

"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," ujar pihak keluarga dalam pernyataan resmi.

Pihak keluarga menambahkan bahwa mantan penyerang Hamburg tersebut mendapatkan dukungan penuh dari tim medis selama masa perawatannya.

"The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. 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," lanjut perwakilan keluarga.

Sebagai bentuk penghormatan, tim nasional Inggris mengumumkan rencana seremonial sebelum pertandingan Nations League melawan Spanyol di Stadion Wembley pada September mendatang. Keegan mencatatkan karier gemilang dengan hampir 750 penampilan di level klub, memenangkan Divisi Utama tiga kali bersama Liverpool, serta meraih Ballon d'Or berturut-turut pada 1978 dan 1979.

Karier kepelatihannya dimulai di Newcastle United pada Februari 1992, di mana ia menyelamatkan klub dari jurang degradasi dan membawa mereka promosi ke Premier League, hingga finis di posisi kedua pada musim 1995/1996 di bawah bayang-bayang Manchester United.

Pihak Newcastle United menyatakan rasa duka yang mendalam atas kehilangan salah satu figur paling ikonis dan dicintai dalam sejarah klub mereka.

"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. 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," tulis pihak Newcastle United dalam pernyataan lengkap mereka.

Setelah melatih Newcastle, Keegan sempat menangani timnas Inggris dari Februari 1999 hingga Oktober 2000, serta membawa Manchester City promosi ke Premier League pada 2002 sebelum akhirnya kembali ke Newcastle dalam periode singkat pada 2008.

Mantan anak asuh Keegan di Newcastle United yang juga pencetak gol terbanyak Premier League, Alan Shearer, turut menyampaikan pesan duka melalui akun pribadinya.

"My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss," kata Alan Shearer.

Mantan bek Liverpool Jamie Carragher turut memberikan penghormatan terakhir dan menyebut Keegan sebagai salah satu pemain terbaik yang pernah dilahirkan di Inggris.

"RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon D'or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game. One of the most important," tutur Jamie Carragher.