Kevin Keegan, English idol and two-time Ballon d'Or winner, dies at 75

SÃO PAULO, SP (UOL/FOLHAPRESS) - Englishman Kevin Keegan, Liverpool idol and winner of two Ballon d'Ors, died this Monday (20), aged 75. His death was announced by his family. Keegan had been battling stomach cancer since January, and family members asked for privacy after the former player's death.

The former England player and manager was battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. Kevin, a two-time 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 an extremely difficult time, and they ask for space and privacy. Kevin Keegan's family in statement

Multi-champion for Liverpool in the 1970s, Keegan was voted best player in Europe twice. He won the Ballon d'Or, an award from France Football magazine, in 1978 and 1979. The award was only given to European players until 1995.

The English idol led the national team at the 2000 Euro Cup. He was also coach of Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City.

Keegan was born in Armthorpe, England, in February 1951. At Liverpool, he was a three-time English Championship champion and conquered Europe by lifting the Champions League trophy in 1977 and the UEFA Cup in 1973 and 1976.

He also played for Hamburg. At the German club, he was champion of the Bundesliga and, in 1980, finished runner-up in the Champions League after being defeated by Nottingham Forest in the final. After starting his career at Scunthorpe United, he ended his career with spells at Southampton, Newcastle and Blacktown City.

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