Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell dies aged 54

Kevin Campbell
-Credit: (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)


Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has died aged 54.‌ The Gunners led the tributes on social media, posting: "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 added: "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."

He was admitted to hospital last month after falling ill. He leaves behind a son, Tyrese, who is a professional footballer for EFL Championship side Stoke City.

Campbell's management company wrote: "Wow this one really hurts. Rest easy KC a true friend and gentleman. Thoughts with Kevs 2 boys and the rest of his family."

Former team-mate Mark Crossley penned: "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."

Campbell made over 540 professional appearances during his two-decade-long career while finding the back of the net on 148 occasions. Best known for his spells as an Arsenal and Everton player, Campbell was a much-loved figure at both clubs.

Campbell broke into the Arsenal first team in 1988, before going on to make 213 appearances for the Gunners. He won the First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.