Remembering Kevin Keegan: His Forgotten Hit Single, Head Over Heels in Love (1979)

We're not a sports website, so we won't pretend to be experts on Kevin Keegan's remarkable football career (although I really like him when I was a kid). Like millions of others, though, we were saddened to hear of his passing. While he will forever be remembered as one of England's greatest footballers and most charismatic managers, there's another, rather unexpected chapter in his story that many people may have forgotten - or perhaps never knew. In 1979, at the height of his fame, Keegan ventured into the music charts with Head Over Heels in Love, a surprisingly successful single that became a hit in several European countries (Top Ten in Germany, where he was playting at the time) and remains a fascinating footnote in the career of a true sporting icon.

The outpouring of tributes following Kevin Keegan's death reflects not only his extraordinary football career but also the affection in which he was held as a person. Just on this obscure YouTube video alone, fans are remembering him as "King Kev," a footballing legend and a true gentleman whose influence stretched far beyond the clubs he played for and managed. One supporter recalled following whichever team Keegan played for as a child, while another said he was the reason they became a Newcastle United fan in 1994. Others remembered his trademark curls, describing him as their first crush, or simply mourned the loss of a hero who inspired generations. Even listeners who first encountered him through his recording with Smokie shared their sadness. The messages came from across Europe, with one fan poignantly observing that "Germany mourns an exceptional English player," underlining Keegan's enduring international appeal.

As fans around the world remember Kevin Keegan the footballer, it's worth also remembering Kevin Keegan the entertainer. Head Over Heels in Love may never rival his achievements on the pitch, but it remains a charming reminder of a time when one of football's brightest stars wasn't afraid to try something completely different.