Breaking News:”Ex-Everton and Arsenal Striker Passed Away Early Hours of Today…Read more
"Football Mourns as Kevin Campbell, Former Arsenal and Everton Star, Dies at 54"
“Ex-Arsenal and Everton Striker Kevin Campbell Passes Away at 54; Clubs Honor His Legacy”
Kevin Campbell, a title-winning forward with Arsenal and a revered figure at Everton for helping them avoid relegation in 1999, was recently hospitalized with sepsis, according to the PA news agency.
Arsenal shared their condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Everton also honored Campbell on social media, expressing, “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”
Campbell began his career at Arsenal, breaking into the first team after a prolific junior scoring record, including a hat-trick in the Gunners’ 1988 FA Youth Cup win, and loan spells at Leicester and Leyton Orient. He scored 59 goals in 224 games for Arsenal and, in addition to the 1990-91 league title, also won the FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners’ Cup.
After joining Nottingham Forest in 1995, he spent three years with the club, had a season at Trabzonspor, and moved to Everton in 1999. He stayed at Everton until 2005, serving as captain under Walter Smith, and concluded his career with stints at West Brom and Cardiff.
Tony Adams, Campbell’s former Arsenal teammate and captain, posted on X: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart. An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us. Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”
The official England X account shared: “We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54. Kevin won four caps for our under-21s and represented our B team in the early 1990s. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
Nottingham Forest also expressed their sorrow on X, stating, “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell.”
Kevin spent three seasons at Nottingham Forest, contributing to their 1998 promotion from the First Division as champions. The club expressed, “Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Leicester and Cardiff, where Campbell concluded his career in 2007, also paid tribute to their former striker.
The Premier League released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and West Brom striker. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends, and those associated with the clubs he played for.”
After his playing career, Campbell worked in the media. Fellow pundit and former Everton striker Tony Cottee wrote on X, “I am so devastated to hear the news of the passing of Kevin Campbell. The nicest man you could wish to meet and a fantastic player. Thoughts to his friends and family. RIP Kev.”
Former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips added, “Really gutted to hear the sad news of Kevin Campbell passing. Fantastic goalscorer, but more importantly an even better human. What a gentleman. Thinking of Kevin’s friends and family today. You will be missed Kev. RIP.”
Campbell was a member of the Black Footballers Partnership, which aims to amplify the voice and influence of black footballers. The BFP stated, “Our condolences to his family and the people of Brixton, Lambeth, who have lost one of their greatest sons. Kevin meant so much to so many fans across the country – especially Arsenal, Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Cardiff City, who he played for in his stellar career. We are going to miss him dearly. May he rest in eternal peace. We love and will miss you, Kevin.”
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