Sir Kenny Dalglish, known to football fans as ‘King Kenny’, is one of the greatest players Britain has ever produced, and a Glaswegian to his bones. He won the game’s highest honours with Celtic and Liverpool, played a record number of times for Scotland, and went on to become a championship-winning manager.
A Glasgow boyhood
Born in Dalmarnock in the East End of Glasgow in 1951 and brought up in Milton, the son of an engineer, Dalglish grew up supporting Rangers, and even lived for a time in a tower block overlooking their Ibrox ground. It was Celtic, though, who signed the gifted teenager, and his rise belongs to the great story of Glasgow football.
Celtic and Liverpool
Under the great manager Jock Stein, Dalglish became one of the finest forwards in Europe, winning four league titles and four Scottish Cups at Celtic before Liverpool paid a British record fee to sign him in 1977. At Anfield he was adored. He formed a famous partnership with Ian Rush and helped Liverpool to six English league titles and three European Cups, scoring the winner in the 1978 European Cup final, and he is still revered on the Kop as ‘King Kenny’.
Scotland’s finest
For his country Dalglish was peerless, winning a record 102 caps and scoring 30 goals, a joint record with Denis Law, and playing at three World Cups.
Manager, and Hillsborough
As player-manager of Liverpool he won three more league titles and two FA Cups. He was the club’s manager at the time of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, and his quiet, steadfast support of the bereaved families, attending funeral after funeral, is remembered as one of the most moving chapters of his life. He later led Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League title, a feat few managers have matched with two different clubs. Alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, he stands among the giants of Scottish football.
King Kenny
Knighted in 2018 for his services to football and charity, and honoured by Liverpool with a stand bearing his name, Dalglish remains one of the most admired figures the Scottish game has ever produced.
Related questions
Who is Kenny Dalglish?
A Glasgow-born footballer and manager, regarded as one of the greatest British players of all time, who starred for Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland.
Why is Kenny Dalglish called ‘King Kenny’?
The nickname was given by Liverpool fans in tribute to his brilliance and his standing at the club, where he is still revered.
How many caps did Kenny Dalglish win for Scotland?
A record 102, scoring 30 goals, a joint record with Denis Law, and he played at three World Cups.
What did Kenny Dalglish win as a manager?
Three league titles and two FA Cups with Liverpool, and the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995.