Andy Sixsmith

Yesterday, the world lost a great man as Kevin Keegan passed away aged 75.

From playing Sunday League, to winning the European Cup at Liverpool and the Ballon d’Or twice at Hamburg, to transforming Newcastle United as a club and a city both as a player and a manager, there’s never been anyone quite like him.

But most importantly of the lot, he was a wonderful person. Kind. Warm. Humble. And like Eddie Howe said, every conversation with him made you feel better. An incredible human who had time for everyone - and was loved by everyone.

This is his story - his legacy.

Because however you remember him, as a legend, an entertainer, or as a king, there’ll never be another Kevin Keegan.

Rest in peace, King Kev 🖤🤍

Born on the day England beat Spain on penalties in 96. Released by Atletico Madrid as a kid. Now Rodri is the man who’s completed football after Spain lifted the World Cup.

The story of how he got there is incredible.

Being let go by Atleti as a 17 year old must have hurt. Rodri let that fuel him, rebuilding his career in Spain, before going on to win every trophy possible for Manchester City, including 5 Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Not even a ruptured ACL could stop him - winning the Euros with Spain in 2024 and then last night, completing football - named the best player in the tournament as Spain beat Argentina to win their second World Cup. Rodri - as captain - lifted the trophy.

From Academy outcast to completing football, what a journey he’s been on.

This is Rodri’s origin story.

Drop your thoughts and comments 👇

Some World Cup winners are made in academies. Ferran Torres was made in a garden in Valencia with his grandfather and his dog.

The story of how he came to score the winning goal in a World Cup final is incredible.

He trained as a kid by taking shots at his dog in goal in his own garden - with his grandfather watching on - and has only ever been able to celebrate his birthday 6 times in his life after being born on a Leap Day.

From Valencia’s academy - to setting up his own football camp - all the way to scoring the biggest goal at the World Cup making Spain World Champions for the second time in their history.

This is Ferran Torres’ origin story.

Drop your thoughts and comments 👇

Seven months ago, Newcastle United fans showed what Kevin Keegan means to the club and to the city when news of his cancer diagnosis reached St James’ Park.

52,000 paying tribute to the great man - and an entire city in mourning today after the tragic news of his passing.

I can only imagine what St James’ Park is going to sound and look like when Newcastle welcome Liverpool on the opening weekend of the Premier League season as both clubs pay their respects to one of the greatest names in their respective histories.

However NUFC remember him, a statue, a stand at SJP, there will only ever be one King Kev.

RIP Kevin Keegan 🖤🤍

Devastating news that Kevin Keegan has passed away aged 75.

More than just a player. More than just an NUFC manager and legend. Kevin was an Entertainer. A king. And above all else, one of the most genuinely kind, wonderful people you could possibly meet.

It’s not just fans of Newcastle, Liverpool, Hamburg, England etc who’ll mourn his loss - but sports fans around the world - from the North East to New Jersey. He meant something to everyone. An idol. An icon. A legend of football.

But above all else, he was loved in the North East for everything he did for Newcastle United and football in this region. I was fortunate enough to interview the great man a few times - and it was a pleasure, a privilege and an honour to even be sat opposite him.

My thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Kevin Keegan. You truly were a king 🖤🤍

That won’t be a World Cup final remembered for many years - but Spain won’t care! After Spain 1-0 Argentina, they’re World Champions.

One of the best moments of the final had to be Wayne Rooney’s thoughts on the HT show, didn’t it? Because the football wasn’t great…

Some great stories though - Ferran Torres with the winner, Rodri completing football, Pau Cubarsi - what a player - and Lamine Yamal not having his best game, but with some tremendous celebrations with his brother Keyne afterwards.

Spain deserving World Champions - one goal conceded all tournament and 38 games unbeaten - the only country in history to have both men’s and women’s teams be world champions simultaneously.

What do you think folks? Drop your comments 👇

Before becoming Spain’s talisman, Barcelona’s superstar and the most exciting talent in World football, Lamine Yamal grew up with his Mum working extra shifts in McDonalds to support him.

Now he’s preparing for Spain v Argentina in the World Cup final.

And how he’s got here is incredible.

His Gran had to sneak on a bus from Morocco to Spain - his Dad collected items from the street to sell and make a bit of money.

And it was all worth it - Yamal has become Spain and Barcelona’s youngest ever debutant, already won the European Championship and developed into one of the biggest names in football.

Now the lad from a neighbourhood outside of Barcelona is looking to become a World Champion ahead of his predecessor - the GOAT - Lionel Messi - at just 19-years old.

This is the Lamine Yamal Origin Story.

Drop your thoughts 👇