The football world is mourning the loss of former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, who passed away at the age of 54 following a short illness. Both clubs paid tribute to their beloved former player, with Arsenal stating, “Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Campbell joined Arsenal’s youth setup in 1985 and made his senior debut in 1988. During his time at Highbury, he etched his name in the club’s history by winning the English First Division (the predecessor to the Premier League) in 1990-91, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and the European Cup Winner’s Cup. His prowess in front of goal saw him score 59 goals for the north London club.
Kevin Campbell’s Stellar Career
Born on February 4, 1970, Kevin Joseph Campbell was an English professional footballer who had a distinguished career as a striker in the Premier League. After his successful stint with Arsenal, he went on to play for Nottingham Forest, Everton, and West Bromwich Albion. Campbell also had stints in the Turkish Süper Lig with Trabzonspor and in the Football League with Leyton Orient, Leicester City, and Cardiff City.
Campbell’s impressive performances on the pitch earned him recognition at the international level. He was capped four times by the England U21 team, scoring once, and received a call-up to the England B team in 1991, where he earned one cap.
The news of Campbell’s passing has sent shockwaves through the football community, with fans and former teammates alike expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the talented striker. His legacy as a prolific goal scorer and a beloved figure in the sport will undoubtedly live on.
Tributes Pour In as Footballing World Mourns Kevin Campbell’s Passing
Condolence messages are pouring in from across the footballing world, bidding farewell to the late Kevin Campbell, a great footballer and an even greater person. Everton, where Campbell spent a significant part of his career, released a statement expressing their profound sadness at the loss of their former striker at the age of just 54.
“Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54,” Everton wrote. “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.”
Campbell, who scored 51 goals in 164 games for Everton, had been “very unwell” and hospitalized earlier in June, according to the club.
Arsenal Pays Tribute to a Beloved Figure
Arsenal, where Campbell began his professional career, also paid tribute to their former striker. “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.”
Nottingham Forest, another of Campbell’s former clubs, expressed their sadness, stating they were “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing, and sent their thoughts to his friends and family.
Outpouring of Love and Respect
The outpouring of love and respect for Campbell has been overwhelming, with former teammates, clubs, and governing bodies alike paying their respects to the late striker.
Mark Crossley, a former Forest goalkeeper who played alongside Campbell, said, “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 also expressed their condolences, stating, “RIP Kevin Campbell, who was loved by so many across football and beyond. Our thoughts today are with his family and friends.”
Kevin Campbell’s Ventures Beyond Football
In addition to his illustrious football career, Kevin Campbell had ventured into the music industry, running a record label called 2 Wikid. The label’s first signing was rapper Mark Morrison, who had previously topped the charts with “Return of the Mack” in 1996. Campbell even obtained a court injunction against a rival label in 2004 to prevent the release of Morrison’s album “Innocent Man” without his consent, showcasing his business acumen beyond the pitch.
