Sir Kenny Dalglish, one of the most decorated figures in British football history, has confirmed he is currently receiving cancer treatment. The 75-year-old revealed the news after an accidental social media post made the situation public before he had intended.

"I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer," Dalglish wrote. "Unlike my mobile phone use, the treatment is going well." He added that he had hoped to keep the matter private, describing the disclosure as an "inadvertent social media post" brought about by what he called his "useless technology skills."

He was clear about what he wanted next. "Obviously I did not mean to make this matter public so I would appreciate it if the privacy of my family and myself are respected," he wrote. He also used the statement to pay tribute to his medical team: "Thank you to the wonderful medical staff who have shown incredible care and discretion, not just for me but for many, many others. They are a credit to themselves."

A career defined by greatness at Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland

The numbers alone tell a significant story. Dalglish scored 167 goals in 320 appearances for Celtic between 1969 and 1977 — a record that established him as one of the finest forwards the Scottish game has produced. He then moved to Liverpool, making 515 appearances for the Merseyside club and cementing a legacy that straddles both playing and managerial success.

At international level, he scored 30 goals in 102 caps for Scotland (a century of caps that makes him his country's most capped player of all time), a record that has stood the test of time. His influence extended well beyond the playing side: as manager of Liverpool, he guided the club to league titles and FA Cups, and his dignified response to the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 earned him a respect that went far beyond football.

Liverpool FC back their former player

Liverpool were swift to respond publicly. In a club statement they wrote: "The support, best wishes and love of everyone at Liverpool FC are, and will be, with Sir Kenny and his family." The club also endorsed his request for privacy, asking that it be respected going forward.

Dalglish received a knighthood in 2018, recognition that acknowledged not just his achievements on the pitch but his broader contribution to the sport and to supporters affected by Hillsborough. He remains one of the most widely admired figures in the game.

No further details about the nature or stage of his treatment have been made public, and it is reasonable to expect that will remain the case. The football world will hope the same good news he reported — that treatment is going well — continues to hold.

Frequently asked

What type of cancer does Kenny Dalglish have?
Sir Kenny Dalglish has not disclosed the type or stage of his cancer. His statement confirmed only that he is currently undergoing treatment and that it is going well.
How many goals did Kenny Dalglish score for Liverpool?
According to the information available, Dalglish made 515 appearances for Liverpool. He scored 167 goals in 320 games for Celtic before joining the club. His Liverpool goal tally is part of a broader legendary record across both clubs.
Has Kenny Dalglish had health problems before?
This article focuses solely on his current cancer diagnosis. No further detail about prior health history is included in the source reporting.