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Kevin Keegan gives update on his cancer battle and wants to say proper ‘goodbye’ to Newcastle

Kevin Keegan gives an update on his cancer battle and wants to say a proper ‘goodbye’ to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Back in January 2026, the football world were saddened after it was revealed that 75 year old had been receiving treatment for stomach cancer, after being admitted to hospital, suffering with abdominal symptoms.

In the same month of the announcement, Richard Keys revealed he had been in touch with Keegan, tweeting: “Been in touch with King Kev to send all our love from the desert.

“Everybody at his tv home @beINSPORTS_EN sends best wishes. He’s up for the fight. He’s beaten tougher opponents. He can win this battle. Good luck Kevin.”

In January 2026, a statement from his family announced Keegan’s cancer diagnosis, saying: “Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”

On Sunday night (31st May), he made a public appearance months after his cancer diagnosis, ‘An Audience with Kevin Keegan hosted by Pete Graves’ at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle.

Graves said in an announcement, as per The Sun: “The King is back in Newcastle in May in just five weeks at the Tyne Theatre.

“Kev has been going through a really tough time. He’s been very poorly but the great news is he has responded well to his treatment and he is feeling a lot better.

“He is not out of the woods yet, but he is feeling strong enough to come out and see people, see his fans and tell his stories and relive wonderful memories, which he enjoys doing so much.”

In a video days leading up it, Graves said: “I’m starting to get really excited because 48 hours from now the Tyne Theatre is going to be packed out.

“I’m going to be walking out with my hero and yours, the one and only Kevin Keegan.

“We’re having a last-minute meeting with the legend that’s here…”

Keegan joked when asked how he was doing: “Still alive… thank you.”

Speaking to Peter Graves, Keegan said, as per the Daily Mail: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.

After the doctor who gave him his diagnosis spoke his success rate against the condition, Keegan joked: “I said: ‘Fantastic! What is your strike rate?’ He said: ’33 per cent’. Oh. I thought he might say 80, maybe 90! Anyway, I am still here at the moment…”

Keegan added that he wished to return to Newcastle’s St James’ Park, having not do since leaving his role at the club in 2008, to wave to the fans before a game.

“I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time.”

He also due to go out on a UK tour, similar to his night in Newcastle, reflecting on his life and career in football.

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Here’s how fans reacted on social media afterKevin Keegan gives update on his cancer battle and wants to say a proper ‘goodbye’ to Newcastle…

@karlbenwatson: Can we please start showing all of the Kevin Keegan documentaries on TV and paying all the tributes whilst the great man is still with us. A true English footballing Legend and Icon

@ISimpson73: If it wasn’t for KK who knows where NUFC would be now, he went on to help launch the careers of Beardsley & Waddle. Twice leading the club to promotion, once as a player & once as a manager. Took NUFC to the brink of the title, KK is as big as the club!

@GeordieMark3: Love the man. Can’t believe it. Keep fighting King. The most important man in the recent history of our club. If it wasn’t for him, would we have a club. Just wish we managed to win a trophy with him as manager #nufc

@JoshCrick: 💔 extremely fond memories of his time at city, we played some breathtaking football, hope he knows how much we loved his time at City

@DavidMOlorogun: Kevin Keegan. One of football greats ❤️🙏

@hasfabulous: Much Love from Southampton fans Kevin, all thinking of you, One of the best to embrace our crest. #saintsfc

@ianmcfc123: Kevin Keegan… Never forgotten by me.. Bernarbia.. Huckerby Berkovic.. Anelka…. I can carry on. Brave man.. Priorities kevin. Enjoy

@iangregory70: I’m not ready to say goodbye to Keegan. This is going to hurt so much. The man who saved Newcastle United then nearly took us to complete greatness playing the best football the Premier League will ever see.

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