Arsenal and Everton legend Kevin Campbell dies at 54 after a brief illness; ’devastated’ clubs pay tribute

He scored 59 goals for Arsenal and won the FA Cup with the Gunners

Arsenal and Everton legend Kevin Campbell has died aged 54 after a short illness.

Emotional tributes are pouring in for the ex-striker, who spent a memorable two decades on the pitch and later became a pundit.

Campbell became a pundit later in his lifeCredit: Getty

He played at Everton between 1999 and 2005Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD

Arsenal announced Campbell’s death in a statement this morningCredit: Twitter/Arsenal

Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.

During his time at the Gunners he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Arsenal said: "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 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."

Wayne Rooney said: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev - thinking of all his family and friends.

"Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years."

Tony Adams said: "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 Nottingham Forest teammate Mark Crossley 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."

Paying tribute, Piers Morgan said: "What incredibly sad news. Top player, and a great guy. RIP."

It was revealed on Sunday he had been rushed to hospital the week prior after falling unwell.

Everton said he was "very unwell".

Toffees said on X: "We have been made aware our former striker Kevin Campbell is currently very unwell.

"Not just a great footballer but an incredible person, Kevin is, and always has been, a fighter and we wish him and his family well at this challenging time.

"Sending all our love."

Campbell made a name for himself after kicking off his career in 1988.

After stints in Nottingham and Turkey he made 137 appearances for Everton where he scored another 39 goals and played with a young Wayne Rooney.

At Trebizond, club president Mehmet Alu Yilmaz had frozen him out of the team and called him a "cannibal" and "discoloured", the Guardian reported.

At Everton, he became the club’s first black skipper.

Campbell played for the Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before finishing off his career with a year at West Brom and then Cardiff City.

He called time on his career in May 2007 after the Baggies released him following their relegation from the Premier League.

In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.

He holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.

He did, however, make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.

Campbell began his career at Arsenal and broke into the first team in 1988.

His 24-year-old son Tyrese has played 146 matches for Stoke City beginning in 2018, but has not had his contracted renewed.

 

Sophia Martinez