In an emotional and deeply impactful week for the Anfield family, England, Liverpool, Newcastle and Watford legend John Barnes MBE has revealed his private battle with prostate cancer, urging men to “swallow their pride” and get tested.
The 62-year-old footballing icon disclosed that he underwent surgery to have his prostate removed after a shock diagnosis that, until now, very few people knew about. Barnes’ revelation follows closely on the heels of cancer announcements from two other generational Liverpool greats, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.
Breaking the Taboo
Speaking openly about his diagnosis on Times Radio, Barnes explained that his children initially pushed him to get screened. He admitted that men often avoid facing the disease due to a misguided stigma surrounding masculinity.
“I’ve had prostate cancer, I’ve had my prostate out. Not many people know and it’s a bit of a taboo subject because we support women with breast cancer and it’s not even an issue,” Barnes shared.
“The thing about it is that a lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man. But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person and you’re around and that’s the main thing.”
Thankfully, Barnes confirmed that he is currently doing well. “I’m fine. I have my PSA [Prostate-Specific Antigen blood test] and everything is okay,” he reassured fans.
“Not many men want to admit to it because it makes them feel less than a man, but you’re not.”
Former England International Footballer John Barnes opens up on his cancer diagnosis and having his prostate removed. @officialbarnesy pic.twitter.com/sdV4Ge9whC
— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) June 3, 2026
A Crucial Message for Black Men
Barnes highlighted the absolute necessity of raising awareness, particularly among the Black community. While one in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, that risk doubles to one in four for Black men.
The former left-winger threw his full support behind a recent government initiative, the £18 million Transform Trial, which invites Black men between the ages of 45 and 74 to take part in prostate cancer screening trials.
- The Prevalence: “Prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward and in Black men it’s more prevalent,” Barnes emphasized.
- Biting the Bullet: “Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it. So it’s a good thing that that has come out.”
A Golden Legacy
Born in Jamaica before moving to London at age 12, Barnes is universally regarded as one of the most gifted players to ever wear an England or Liverpool shirt.
- Club Icon: After starting his professional career at Watford at age 17, Barnes moved to Liverpool in 1987. He spent a glittering decade at Anfield, scoring 108 goals in 407 appearances, where he won two First Division titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup.
- International Great: Barnes earned 79 caps and scored 10 goals for England between 1983 and 1995, cementing his status as a true icon of the English game.
Anfield’s United Front
The news adds to a remarkably poignant week for Liverpool supporters worldwide. Just a day prior, Sir Kenny Dalglish (75) confirmed he is undergoing cancer treatment, while Kevin Keegan (75) recently shared his own fight against stage four cancer.
With the footballing community rallying around all three legendary figures, Barnes’ decision to speak out is already being heavily praised by health advocates for transforming a private battle into a potentially life-saving public message.
