Kevin Campbell dead: Ex-Arsenal and Everton striker dies aged 54 | Football | Sport

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has died aged 54 years old.

‌Arsenal have 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.”

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.

Joining Arsenal as a schoolboy in 1985, he quickly made a name for himself in the academy, with Campbell scoring a whopping 59 goals in a single season.

An FA Youth Cup winner with the Gunners in 1988, Campbell made his first-team debut against future employers Everton that very same year.

Over 200 games in the red and white of Arsenal followed, with the London-born goal-machine winning five major honours during his time at the capital club.

That included the Gunners’ 1990/91 First Division title win, alongside the 1993/94 Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

A move to Nottingham Forest followed, with Campbell continuing his prolific goal-scoring form by helping return the East Midlands-based outfit to the Premier League in 1997/98.

A less successful stint at Turkish side Trabzonspor followed, all before Campbell joined Everton on loan midway through the 1998/99 season, helping keep the Toffees in the division.

The Merseyside outfit made his move permanent that summer, paying £3million for his services.

Revered for his time as a Toffee, Campbell scored the winning goal away at Anfield during the 1999/00 season – a result that remained Everton’s last away win against Liverpool up until the 2020/21 campaign.

Campbell stayed at Goodison Park until 2005, when he left for West Bromwich Albion, before later joining Cardiff City on a short-term deal.

Following his retirement as a professional in 2007, Campbell worked as a pundit, appearing on broadcasts covering the Premier League and Champions League.

Campbell leaves behind a son, Tyrese, who is a professional footballer for EFL Championship side Stoke City.