Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54 following a brief illness.
During his career, Campbell scored 148 goals in 542 appearances across stints with eight clubs.
He won four major trophies with Arsenal and also played for Leyton Orient, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff City.
Campbell made his final appearance as a player in February 2007 before transitioning into broadcasting.
Everton announced earlier this month that he had fallen ill in May and was “very unwell” in the hospital.
“We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness,” said Arsenal.
“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 said: “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.”
After progressing through Arsenal’s youth system, Campbell made his senior debut for the club in 1988 and had loan spells with Leyton Orient and Leicester.
He scored nine goals in 22 appearances for Arsenal during their title-winning 1990-91 campaign.
Campbell then played a key role in helping Arsenal win the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
In the summer of 1995, Campbell joined Nottingham Forest and spent three seasons at the City Ground. During his final season, he scored 22 goals in 39 games, aiding the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
After a brief stint in Turkey with Trabzonspor, Campbell moved to Everton on loan in March 1999. He scored nine goals in their final eight Premier League games, helping the Toffees avoid relegation.
His impressive performance earned him a permanent deal that summer, and he remained with Everton for over five seasons.
Campbell’s playing career concluded with spells at West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City.
Following the announcement of his death, Campbell’s former Arsenal teammate Ian Wright posted several crying emojis and images of the two together on X.
Adams remembers ‘giant’ Campbell
Tony Adams – Campbell’s former Arsenal team-mate 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.”
Campbell’s former Gunners strike partner Alan Smith told Sky Sports News it was a “tragic day”.
“He was ambitious and driven because he wanted and to do well,” said Smith.
“You see the photos with his big smile and that was his personality. He was warm-hearted and popular with all the boys.”
Smith said Campbell never took his status as a footballer for granted.
“He was a South London boy who made good and always appreciated it,” he said. “He carried his work ethic throughout his whole career.
“When you have played with him and shared a dressing room with him, you will not forget him. There will be a lot of ex-team-mates of his who will be very sad today.”
Campbell ‘a true gentleman’
Forest said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Campbell’s death, and said their thoughts were with his friends and family.
Former Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who played alongside Campbell, said: “Life can be so cruel at times.
“Absolutely devastated with news of my ex-Forest team-mate Kevin Campbell’s passing. A true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun-loving guy. Thoughts are with all his family and friends. RIP mate.”
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.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association said: “RIP Kevin Campbell, who was loved by so many across football and beyond. Our thoughts today are with his family and friends.”
Campbell was a member of the Black Footballers’ Partnership, which works to increase the voice and influence of black footballers.
“Our condolences to his family and the people of Brixton, Lambeth who have lost one of their greatest sons,” they said.
“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.”