AUDIO: Kevin Keegan has cancer (1 min)
As of: January 7, 2026 8:44 p.m
English football icon Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer. The family of the 74-year-old, who won the German championship with Hamburger SV in 1979, made the illness public on Wednesday.
Keegan will undergo treatment. “Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their dedication and ongoing care,” the statement said. Accordingly, the 74-year-old was recently taken to hospital for an evaluation because of persistent abdominal problems.
The tests revealed a diagnosis of cancer, wrote the family, who asked for privacy and did not want to make any further comments. Keegan received support from his former clubs Liverpool FC and Newcastle United.
Three-time English champion, two UEFA Cup winner and triumph in the European Cup with Liverpool FC: Keegan was already a world-class player when he moved to HSV in 1977 for a record fee of 2.3 million German marks.
HSV: Champions with the “Mighty Mouse”
“Mighty Mouse”, as the 1.70 meter tall whirlwind was called, became one of the Bundesliga’s first superstars during his three years in Hamburg, won the German championship with HSV in 1979 and quickly won his way into the hearts of the fans with his tireless efforts. During his time at the diamond club, Keegan was named European Footballer of the Year twice (1978, 1979).
In 1980, the former England international returned to the island and played, among others, for Newcastle, which he later also coached. Keegan also worked briefly as a national coach.
