Club

HSV mourns the passing of Kevin Keegan

The English football icon has died at the age of 75 following a battle with cancer, his family have confirmed. HSV mourns the passing of one of the greatest footballers ever to wear the shirt.

Hamburger SV is mourning the passing of Kevin Keegan. The former HSV player (1977–1980) and two-time Ballon d’Or winner (1978 and 1979) died on Monday (20th July) at the age of 75 following his battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by Keegan’s family in an official statement: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. 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.”

Earlier this year, Keegan’s family announced he had been diagnosed with cancer after experiencing persistent abdominal symptoms. The football icon had been receiving medical treatment in recent months.

One of the greats

Joseph Kevin Keegan joined HSV from Liverpool in the summer of 1977, by which point he was already one of the biggest stars in world football. The England captain had previously won three league titles, two UEFA Cups and the European Cup with the Reds, earning himself the nickname ‘King Kev’. The forward continued his extraordinary career in Hamburg, becoming one of the Bundesliga’s first international superstars.

The lively attacker helped fire the Rothosen to the German title in 1978/79, thrilling supporters with his passionate and explosive style of play. During his time in Hamburg, Keegan won the Ballon d’Or in consecutive years, in 1978 and 1979. He was the first, and to date the only, HSV player to receive the award.

The 63-cap England international made 90 competitive appearances for HSV, scoring 32 goals. Affectionately known as ‘King Kev’ or ‘Mighty Mouse’ by supporters of Liverpool and Hamburger SV, the 1.70-metre-tall forward provided countless unforgettable moments. His pace, energy, exceptional ability in the air and tireless commitment made him the ultimate team player. His former teammate Horst Hrubesch once said of him: “Keegy was the kind of player any team would still love to have today. He always put the team first and had a way of lifting everyone around him.”

After leaving HSV, Keegan remained closely connected to football. He played for Southampton and Newcastle United before embarking on a managerial career that included a spell in charge of England. For HSV supporters, however, he will above all be remembered as a fan favourite, an exceptional player and one of the greatest footballers ever to wear the shirt.

In Kevin Keegan, world football has lost one of its most influential figures. Hamburger SV will always honour the memory of a member of the club’s title-winning side and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who was a part of his life. Rest in peace, ‘Mighty Mouse’.