Football world mourns Kevin Keegan: Heartbroken Alan Shearer pays tribute to his 'hero', Jamie Carragher hails 'one of the greatest players this country has ever produced', while Prince William says he 'inspired generations'

Alan Shearer

has led the tributes to football legend Kevin Keegan after he passed away at the age of 75 following a short battle with illness.

Keegan was diagnosed with stage four stomach

cancer

in January, having been admitted to hospital with abdominal problems.

In a statement, his family said: '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.'

And following the tragic news, figures from across the footballing world were quick to pay their respects to Keegan, who represented Scunthorpe,

Liverpool

, Hamburg,

Southampton

and Newcastle and later managed the Magpies (twice),

Fulham

, England and

Manchester City

.

Newcastle legend Shearer said: 'My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.'

Alan Shearer and Jamie Carragher led the tributes to football legend Kevin Keegan (pictured after winning the European Cup with Liverpool in 1977) after he passed away

Keegan is one of the best ever English players and enjoyed a successful managerial career

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: '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 men in making @LFC what it is today.'

Prince William, the official patron of The FA, said: 'Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.

'A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.

'Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. W.'

Shearer pictured with then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan after signing for the club in 1996

Trevor Brooking said: 'I am so very sad to hear the devastating news today about my friend and former team-mate Kevin Keegan.

'My friendship with Kevin goes back many decades, to our playing days for England. We were lucky enough to develop a real understanding on the field of play and know what each other was thinking.

'Kevin liked to run and find space on the pitch and I’d try to time my passes to give him the best chance to use his world-class skills to score.

'We roomed together on England duty and Kevin, with his bubbly character, was never shy of making jokes, often at my expense!

'I recently met up for lunch with Kevin and Jean when they were visiting London. Although it had been a while since we’d last seen each other, we picked up our conversation as if it had been yesterday.

'That afternoon, reminiscing about our footballing days, is one I will always treasure.'

Former England captain David Beckham posted: 'Such a sad day to hear the passing of Kevin Keegan.

'A man that was very kind to me and my family xx. Sending lots of love and thoughts to his family and friends.'

Several of Keegan's former clubs also shared their own tribute, including Newcastle.

Taking to social media, they said: '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.

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

Liverpool shared their own heartfelt post which read: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss.

'His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin. 1951-2026.'

Former Reds star John Aldridge said: 'I've just been passed the really sad news.

'The great Kevin Keegan has passed away! He gave me great joy in my teens as a huge LFC fan, and the saying says never meet your heroes?

'Well I did!! Roger Hunt and KK and they surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with all his family. God bless Kevin YNWA.'

Keegan, a forward in his playing days, won 63 caps for England before he later managed the Three Lions.

And they also posted a tribute which said: 'We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.

'Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000.

'Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin's family, friends and former clubs.'

Heartfelt tributes poured in for Keegan from figures and clubs across the footballing world

Former Newcastle owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi added: 'Devastated to hear about Kevin Keegan. Growing up watching football, he was one of the names that defined an era, a double Ballon d’Or winner, European Cup champion, England captain, and one of the most exciting players the game has seen.

'But what he did at Newcastle was different. He turned belief into something you could feel in the stadium.

'King Kev wasn’t just admired, he was loved, because everything he did came from the heart. Rest in peace, Kevin. Thank you for everything you gave the game.'

During his managerial career, Keegan also took Fulham from the Second Division (now League One) to the First Division (now Championship).

And the Cottagers shared some words for the footballing legend as they said: 'We're incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away.

'A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999. He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager.

'Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.'

Manchester City, another of the teams Keegan managed, added: 'Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75.

'Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.

'The promotion campaign in 2001-02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.'