Football communities – England, Premier League clubs, and football legends are mourning the loss of former Arsenal and Everton striker, Kevin Campbell.
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the sport, honouring the life and career of the revered striker who left an indelible mark on English football.
A Saturday statement from the Arsenal website revealed that Campbell died at age 54.
He was recently admitted to hospital with sepsis.
Arsenal said in a statement, “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.”
On the other hand, Everton described him as a Goodison Park hero who saved the club from relegation in 1999.
The club stated, “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.”
Born in Lambeth in February 1970, Kevin Campbell began his football career with Arsenal, joining the first team at Highbury in 1988 following an impressive junior scoring record.
During his time with the Gunners, he netted 59 goals in 224 appearances and helped the team secure the 1990-91 league title, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
After his stint at Arsenal, Campbell moved to Nottingham Forest and later had a season with Turkish side Trabzonspor.
In 1999, he joined Everton, where he is fondly remembered for scoring nine goals in five games, a remarkable feat that helped the club avoid relegation.
Fans also cherish his decisive goal in a memorable Merseyside derby victory at Anfield, Everton’s last win at their rival’s ground for 22 years.
He said of the goal, “It was at the Kop End and my view, which will live with me until the day I die, is the Blues in the Kop going crazy.
“That was, and still is, one of my favourite memories in football.”
One of his proudest was becoming the first black captain of Everton for the 2001-02 season.
He stayed at Everton until 2005, where he remains the club’s fifth-highest Premier League goal-scorer and finished his career with spells at West Brom and Cardiff.
England, EPL mourn
The official England X account posted: “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.”
Forest wrote on X, “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell.
“Kevin spent three seasons at #NFFC and was part of the side which earned promotion from the First Division as champions in 1998.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.”
The Premier League said, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal, Nott’m 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.”
Campbell worked in the media after his playing career and fellow pundit Tony Cottee, another former Everton striker, 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.”
Football icons mourn
Tony Adams, Campbell’s former Arsenal teammate and captain, wrote 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.”
Former Arsenal striker, Ian Wright on Facebook said, “Till we meet again my friend. I love you so much. ❤️🕊️😥😥😥😥😥😥😥.”
Former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips said, “Really gutted to hear the sad news of Kevin Campbell passing.
“A 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.”
