A world-renowned former footballer and manager turned television pundit, Kevin Keegan has enjoyed a stellar career at the highest level of the game. Sought-after by companies and institutions looking to tap into topics such as pressure, leadership and teamwork, he can provide a dynamic motivational or after dinner speech to entertain delegates.
In recent years, he has been called upon to speak at hundreds of events, speaking for audiences of AFC Bournemouth, The Royal College of Nursing, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Siemens, Hormann UK and many more. A massive success at black tie events, charitable occasions, gala dinners, as well as conferences, Kevin is a genuine and inspirational speaker capable of rousing crowds at all manner of engagements. Kevin's playing career saw him establish himself as one of the greatest talents in football. Having come through the youth team at Scunthorpe United, Kevin made 124 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals before moving to Bill Shankly's Liverpool FC in a £33,000 transfer in 1971, at the age of 20.
In his time at Liverpool, Kevin would quickly draw the media spotlight as many would state, he became the "first superstar English player". Shankly moved him upfront and he would become one of the club's most effective players. Developing an almost telepathic partnership with fellow striker, John Toshack, Kevin helped Liverpool to three First Division title wins, a European Cup and FA Cup win, as he scored 68 goals in 230 games for the club. Following his success with Liverpool, Kevin moved to Hamburg where he was named European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979, becoming one of only six British players to have won the award and the only player to have won the award twice. Successful spells at Southampton and Newcastle United followed and he ended his club career with an impressive 592 appearances and 204 goals.
He would also become a key player for England over a decade between 1972 and 1982, scoring 21 times in 63 games. He was given the England captaincy in 1976 and held it until his retirement after the 1982 FIFA World Cup. When he hung up his boots, Kevin moved into management, taking the top job at Newcastle United. The team were languishing in bottom place in the Second Division when he replaced Ossie Ardiles in the 1991-92 season. He would keep The Magpies in the division and was offered significant funds for strengthening his side the following season. Bringing in Rob Lee and Andy Cole, his side won the second division, before turning Newcastle United into Premier League title challengers in the following years. Kevin would later have spells as England and Manchester City manager, as well as a second spell at Newcastle United.
Since retiring he has become ever present in the media, having worked as a football pundit for ESPN, ITV and BBC, including on live coverage of World Cup and FA Cup finals. A wonderful after dinner speaker and football pundit, who can captivate any audience with anecdotes and his incredible experiences as a player, manager and pundit, you can book Kevin Keegan as the after dinner speaker for your corporate event, function or conference today.
How to hire Kevin Keegan
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Kevin Keegan for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"I really enjoyed working with Kevin. He was professional, super accommodating and also very funny - I was amazed at how many photos he was happy to have, and also doing some really fun videos with our guests - actually it was mind-blowing to have someone of Kevin's stature doing that kind of thing! Truly some moments never to be forgotten by me, and our guests. It was a pleasure to work with him and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him for an event, big or small! Fantastic!" - Adam, International Expansion Leader, eXp UK
"It was a really wonderful evening and Kevin was a total star. My boss was completely blown away, especially as it was a total surprise, and it made his 60th birthday so special to have one of his all-time heroes there. Kevin’s talk was great and very funny and he was a huge hit with the audience, as well as being very generous with autographs and selfies during and after the dinner. I’m really grateful to you for organising it. And much obliged Kevin for being a dream guest! Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to him." - Statoil
"We had an amazing day and fabulous evening. Kevin was truly superb and was the absolute icing on the cake!" - Hemmersbach
"Kevin was a pleasure to work with and one of the nicest keynote speakers we have had. Kevin put great detail into finding out about the event, and researching the company/event in order to align his presentation. He gave a very light-hearted keynote which is just what the audience wants to hear at the end of the day and was happy to answer questions. I think the audience would have gladly sat there for an hour longer listening to Kevin and asking questions." - FIX Trading Community
"Articulate, witty and clever - Kevin was great in the way he incorporated our company KPIs in his speech. It was interesting to hear how he treated his players and the board like in a business model. I look forward to working with Kevin again in the future." - M2K Service
"Kevin was truly fantastic, highly entertaining and a true gent! His speech was enjoyed by all and we would highly recommend him. Kevin also hung around afterwards for photos and to speak to everyone who wanted to and that made it extra special for all who attended our event." - CH Communications Events Management, Shell Event 2017
"Kevin was a really hit at dinner and people were very happy with everything. He was very nice and engaging at dinner." - ENSE
"Well, what can I say apart from WOW!! Kevin was absolutely amazing! Such a genuinely nice guy, great presentation and really funny! I managed to keep it a complete surprise and he went down an absolute storm!" - Lyreco
"Kevin was absolutely brilliant, he was thoroughly professional from start-finish and was a pure pleasure to work alongside on the night. Everyone who met him said how much of a genuinely nice guy he was, he didn’t refuse to sign anything and he was open to photos with anyone who asked – He was the perfect guest speaker and we couldn’t thank him enough." - Barratt Homes
"The event was a massive success and he was a real gent all night long – he could not have been more helpful." - Sudsbury FC
"Kevin was incredibly warm and genuine and was very generous with his time. We had a queue of fans after he spoke, all eager for a selfie with him, and he didn’t turn anyone away. His speech was incredibly humorous and a perfect way to warm up an audience at 9 am!" - Olivia, Royal College of Nursing
"Kevin was brilliant!" - Yasmin, Hörmann
"Quite simply – Kevin was absolutely brilliant. So many people have approached me, both last night and this morning, telling me that it is one of the best evenings they have experienced. He was sociable, funny, massively accommodating and an absolute gentleman. He had also clearly put thought into our company too. He was one of my boyhood heroes and it was a pleasure to meet him in 2018. He came over brilliantly then but last night he surpassed everybody's expectations. What a guy! Please pass on my words to Kevin – a legend." - Neal, Aico Ltd
"Kevin was very professional to work with, and came very prepared to the event. He was extremely friendly, and took the time to interact with guests (he was very popular!). On stage, Kevin was very engaging, entertaining and hilarious! I will definitely be recommending him to other clients in the future, as I would be delighted to work with him again." - Faye, Make Events
- 2002 - Inducted into the Football League Hall of Fame
- 2002 - Won the Football League First Divison as Manager of Manchester City
- 1993 - Won the Football League First Divison as Manager of Newcastle United
- 1982 - Named PFA Players' Player Of The Year
- 1979 - Won his second consecutive Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to have won the award more than once
- 1979 - Won the Bundesliga
- 1977 - Won a European Cup and First Divison Double
- 1976 - Named FWA Football Of The Year
- 1976 - Won a second UEFA Cup
- 1974 - Named England Captain
- 1974 - Won the FA Cup