Newcastle to posthumously honour Kevin Keegan with Freedom of the City for the first time in history

Kevin Keegan will become the first person in Newcastle’s history to receive the Freedom of the City posthumously, with Newcastle City Council confirming the award following the football legend’s death from cancer in July.

The local authority revealed that Keegan had been due to receive the honour earlier this year, but it was not formally agreed upon before he passed away. Council leader Colin Ferguson said the award would “serve as a lasting tribute to a man who meant so much to the city,” adding that “King Kev’s legacy will continue to inspire people for many years to come.”

Ferguson paid tribute to the outpouring of grief that followed Keegan’s death. “You could see from the enormous amount of tributes left outside St James’ Park what he meant to the city and the footballing world,” he said. “The stories shared about Kevin and the impact he made have been inspiring, showing just how much he was loved not only by our city, but across the world.”

As a player, Keegan scored 48 goals in 78 appearances after joining Newcastle in 1982, helping the club secure promotion back to the First Division. He was twice voted the world’s best player, winning the Ballon d’Or in both 1978 and 1979. His subsequent return as manager in the 1990s transformed the club and captured the imagination of the football world.

Newcastle lord mayor Henry Gallagher, a Magpies season ticket holder, described Keegan’s legacy as extending far beyond football. “Kevin has a lasting legacy for the whole of the city, not just for the football club,” he said. “He would always stop and chat, and make sure that everybody had a chance to talk to him. He brought such joy to our city.”

Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson added: “Kevin Keegan will always be, quite simply, one of the most important, influential and beloved figures in the history of Newcastle United. His impact on our club, our city and generations of supporters is immeasurable.”

Recipients of the Freedom of Newcastle have their name inscribed in the wall of the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre. The honour is distinct from the hereditary Freeman of Newcastle, a centuries-old designation carrying traditional rights and duties.