Kevin Campbell, Former Arsenal and Everton Forward, Dies at 54 After Short Illness
Arsenal and Everton revealed the passing of their former forward, Kevin Campbell, who died at the age of 54 after a short illness.
The news was shared by Arsenal on their official social media platform, X, highlighting the sudden nature of his illness.
Campbell’s career was described in a statement that Arsenal put up on their website. The statement opened, “Everyone at Arsenal is devastated to hear of our much-loved former player Kevin Campbell’s death at the age of 54.”
“A lifelong Arsenal fan, Kevin enrolled in our youth program in 1985 at the age of 15, quickly showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring ability and emerging as the nation’s most prolific young striker.”
In 228 games, Campbell netted 59 goals for Arsenal, helping the team win the league championship in 1991. Before joining Nottingham Forest in 1995, he also won the FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winner’s Cup with the London-based squad.
Before Campbell joined Everton in March 1999, he also played for a short while in Turkish soccer. “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the club’s most popular and much-loved former strikers,” Everton stated in a statement.
“Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Kevin would know that he was not only an incredible person but also a true hero of Goodison Park and a huge favorite among the fans.” Kevin was the first Black captain of the Blues.
Campbell spent six years as an Everton player, scoring 51 goals in 164 games. After that, he played for West Bromwich Albion before retiring from Cardiff.
Everton continued, “Kevin was always given the warmest of welcomes when he returned to Merseyside— and quite right, too.” “He was an enormous man and an amazing football player, and everyone who had the good fortune to know him will deeply miss him.”
Kevin Campbell’s passing leaves a void in the football community, where he was celebrated for his talent, leadership, and genuine warmth. His legacy as a footballer and person will continue to inspire and be remembered by fans and peers alike.
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Kevin Campbell Career Stats
Arsenal (1988-1995)
- Appearances: 228
- Goals: 59
- Honors:
- First Division/Premier League: 1990-91
- FA Cup: 1992-93
- League Cup: 1992-93
- European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1993-94
Nottingham Forest (1995-1998)
- Appearances: 73
- Goals: 32
Trabzonspor (1998-1999)
- Appearances: 18
- Goals: 5
Everton (1999-2005)
- Appearances: 164
- Goals: 51
- Honors:
- Everton’s first Black captain
West Bromwich Albion (2005-2006)
- Appearances: 45
- Goals: 6
Cardiff City (2006-2007)
- Appearances: 3
- Goals: 0
Total Career Stats:
- Total Appearances: 531
- Total Goals: 153
Kevin Campbell was renowned for his strong presence on the field, leadership qualities, and his knack for scoring crucial goals, making significant contributions to every team he played for throughout his career.
