Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell passed away on June 15, 2024. The 54-year-old English forward was reportedly “very unwell“ earlier this month. The news of his death has left football fans devastated.
Kevin Campbell Passes Away After Short Illness
Successful Years at Arsenal
Campbell started as a pupil of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy. He proved his worth at youth level and went on to represent the Gunners’ first team. In 1990/91 he played a vital role as the club won the league under former manager George Graham.
The presence of Club legends like Alan Smith and Ian Wright meant he had to compete with them for a place in the starting lineup. However, when given the chance he helped the team by scoring crucial goals in the league and Europe. He scored four goals in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1993/94 as Arsenal went on to lift the trophy after beating Italian side Parma in the final.
Campbell left Arsenal for Nottingham Forest in 1995. Later he moved abroad to the Turkish club Trabzonspor. But his time in Turkey was marred by a clash with the club president which saw him return to England within a year to play for Everton.
He represented the Merseyside club for seven seasons and is their fifth-highest Premier League goal scorer. After brief spells with West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City, he brought his career to an end in 2007. Post his playing careerCampbell had been working as a successful football pundit.
Loved and Respected by All
As soon as the news of Campbell’s death was announced tributes started pouring in. Fans and former teammates expressed their condolences on social media. Arsenal and Everton put out statements expressing their anguish over the death of their former player.
Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams described Campbell as a wonder human being. Sharing his thoughts on X, Campbell’s former teammate David Seaman wrote: “Devastating news that Kevin Campbell has been taken way too early. Such great memories of playing with Rambo during our time together at Arsenal – sending all my love to his family and friends.”
Campbell’s son and former Stoke City striker Tyrese Campbell requested that the privacy of their family be respected in such a difficult time.