Kevin Keegan, sole British two-time Ballon d'Or winner, dies at 75
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Kevin Keegan, the first British footballer to win two Ballon d'Or awards, has died at age 75.
- Keegan was a celebrated player for Liverpool, Hamburg, and Newcastle, known for his physical prowess and distinctive style.
- His career included winning the European Cup and multiple league titles, and he later transitioned into management.
Kevin Keegan, a towering figure in British football and the only British player to win the Ballon d'Or twice, has died at the age of 75. His passing was confirmed by his family, who stated he had been battling cancer and was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments.
I know what's around the corner, but I don't know where the corner is.
Keegan's career was marked by electrifying performances for clubs like Liverpool, Hamburg, and Newcastle United. He first gained prominence at Liverpool, where he scored 68 goals in 230 appearances between 1971 and 1977, contributing to three English league titles and a European Cup victory. His transfer to Hamburg for a then-record £500,000 solidified his international status.
It was in Germany that Keegan achieved his greatest individual accolades, winning the Ballon d'Or consecutively in 1978 and 1979. His iconic hairstyle and flamboyant style made him a pop culture icon, influencing a generation of British footballers.
It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away aged 75.
Beyond his playing career, Keegan was known for his charismatic personality and memorable quotes, including his philosophical musing, "I know what's around the corner, but I don't know where the corner is." After retiring in 1984, he settled in Marbella, Spain, raising his daughters away from the spotlight before embarking on a career in management, notably with Newcastle United.
Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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