The midfielder, described by Spurs as one of their greatest ever players, was a key member of their double-winning team of 1961 and won 22 caps for Scotland.
He had a glittering playing career at Tottenham, Hearts, where he won every domestic Scottish honour, and Derby County, where he later returned as manager and took them to the English League title in 1975.
He also had stints managing Swindon Town, Walsall, Doncaster Rovers and Birmingham City as well as managing sides in Kuwait, Dubai and Egypt.
But it is as a player for Spurs in their golden era of the early 1960s that he is best remembered.
MIRRORPIX
The iconic picture of Dave Mackay grabbing Leeds' Billy Bremner by the throat in 1966
He was one of our greatest ever players and a man who never failed to inspire those around him
Tottenham statement
In a statement the club said: "He was one of our greatest ever players and a man who never failed to inspire those around him.
"He was a superb player who possessed all the technique, passing ability and talent to be the complete footballer.
"He was the heartbeat of our 1961 'Double' side, was then a key member of the team that retained the FA Cup the following season and, although injury kept him out of our 1963 European Cup Winners' Cup final triumph, he had played a vital role in getting us there."
Mackay, who was named Football of the Year in both Scotland and England, won 10 major honours during his career.
GETTY
Dave Mackay lead Tottenham to FA Cup glory in 1967
Derby, where he won the Second Division title in 1968/69 as captain under Brian Clough, also paid tribute to Mackay.
President and chief executive Sam Rush said: "Everyone at Derby County is truly saddened at the news that Dave Mackay has passed away.
"Dave Mackay is a legend at Derby County and his name will forever be etched into the history of the club for the fantastic contribution that he made, both as a player and a manager.
"Fans still talk of his influence to this day and he will be forever remembered as a true great of our football club."
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Sam Rush: "Dave Mackay is a legend at Derby County and his name will forever be etched into the history of the club" pic.twitter.com/HF2fIhdIZC
Hearts, where he started he career, regard Mackay as one of the 'greatest-ever defenders' to play for the Tynecastle side.
"Heart of Midlothian FC was deeply saddened to learn of the death of legend Dave Mackay earlier this evening," a club statement read.
"Dave lost his long battle with illness at the age of 80 with his family at his bedside in Nottingham.
"A fearless defender regarded as the club's greatest-ever player, Dave won the league title, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup (twice) with Hearts before going on to star for Tottenham Hotspur and Derby County.
"Our sincerest condolences go to his family at this extremely sad time."
