Newcastle United Memberikan Penghormatan Khusus untuk Kevin Keegan

Klub sepak bola Newcastle United menyampaikan duka mendalam serta merencanakan penghormatan khusus atas meninggalnya sang legenda, Kevin Keegan, di usia 75 tahun pada Senin, 20 Juli 2026. Sosok yang pernah memenangkan Ballon d'Or dua kali tersebut mengembuskan napas terakhir setelah berjuang melawan kanker stadium empat sejak diagnosis pada Januari lalu.

Pihak keluarga mengonfirmasi bahwa Keegan berpulang dengan didampingi oleh istri serta anak-anak perempuannya. Tim nasional Inggris juga mengumumkan rencana penghormatan untuk mendiang sebelum laga Nations League melawan Spanyol di Stadion Wembley pada September mendatang.

Manajemen Newcastle United merilis pernyataan resmi untuk mengenang kontribusi besar almarhum, baik saat menjadi pemain maupun manajer yang membawa klub menguasai papan atas Liga Premier.

"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." pangkas manajemen Newcastle United.

Klub menilai kehadiran Keegan telah mengubah lanskap dan identitas klub secara fundamental di mata para penggemar sepak bola dunia.

"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters." ungkap manajemen Newcastle United.

Sebagai pemain, ia dinilai berhasil menanamkan ambisi besar di St. James' Park.

"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." kata manajemen Newcastle United.

Gaya kepemimpinannya saat menjadi manajer mampu menghidupkan semangat seluruh kota.

"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." tutur manajemen Newcastle United.

Ikatan batin yang kuat dengan para pendukung tidak lepas dari sejarah keluarganya sendiri.

"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." tegas manajemen Newcastle United.

Warisan sang legenda dipastikan akan terus hidup melewati angka statistik pertandingan.

"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." tambah manajemen Newcastle United.

Pihak klub menyampaikan rasa empati terdalam kepada keluarga yang ditinggalkan.

"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." ujar manajemen Newcastle United.

Penghormatan permanen sedang dirancang oleh manajemen untuk mengabadikan kenangan sang ikon.

"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." tutup manajemen Newcastle United.

Keluarga mendiang turut memberikan keterangan resmi terkait kondisi terakhir sang manajer legendaris.

"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75." kata keluarga Keegan.

Pihak keluarga mengonfirmasi keberadaan orang-orang terdekat di saat-saat terakhirnya.

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

Apresiasi juga disampaikan kepada tim medis yang mendampingi proses pengobatan almarhum.

"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." jelas keluarga Keegan.

Mantan anak asuh dan rekan sejawat Keegan turut memberikan ucapan duka secara personal.

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

Penghormatan senada disampaikan oleh mantan pemain timnas Inggris lainnya.

"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" ujar Jamie Carragher.

Keegan mencatatkan hampir 750 penampilan klub dan memenangkan berbagai gelar besar, termasuk tiga trofi First Division dan dua Ballon d'Or pada 1978 dan 1979 bersama Hamburg. Karier kepelatihannya mencakup Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City, serta tim nasional Inggris.