Star Kevin Campbell Passes Away at 54. Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal and Everton star, has passed away at the age of 54 after being rushed to the hospital. Emotional tributes are pouring in for the veteran player who enjoyed a two-decade professional football career and later became a pundit.
Star Kevin Campbell Passes Away at 54
Campbell, a striker, played 213 matches for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.
Arsenal said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has passed away after a short illness. “Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. “Rest in peace, Kevin.” While with the Gunners, he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. It was revealed on Sunday that he had been rushed to the hospital a week prior after a severe fall.
Everton said he was “not well.” The Toffees posted on X: “We have been informed that our former striker Kevin Campbell is currently not well. “Not only a great footballer but an incredible person, Kevin has always been a fighter, and we wish him and his family all the best during this difficult time. “Sending all our love.”
Campbell made a name for himself after starting his career in 1988. After playing in Nottingham and Turkey, he played 137 matches for Everton, scoring 39 more goals and playing alongside a young Wayne Rooney. While in Trabzon, the club’s president Mehmet Alu Yilmaz had suspended him from the team and called him a “meat-eater” and “color changer,” The Guardian reported.
At Everton, he became the club’s first black captain. Campbell played for The Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before ending his football career with a year at West Brom and then Cardiff City. He retired from football in May 2007 after being released by The Baggies following their relegation from the Premier League.
In his two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and played 521 professional matches. He holds the record for scoring the most Premier League goals without ever representing England. However, he played four matches for England’s U21 team and one match for England B. Campbell started his playing career at Arsenal, joining the first team in 1988. His 24-year-old son Tyrese has played 146 matches for Stoke City since 2018, but his contract has not been renewed.
Career
- Arsenal: Campbell played 213 matches for Arsenal from 1988 to 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions. During his time with the Gunners, he won the old First Division title, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
- Everton: After a stint in Nottingham and Turkey, Campbell joined Everton, where he played 137 matches, scored 39 goals, and even captained the club, becoming Everton’s first black captain.
- Other Clubs: He concluded his career with brief spells at West Brom and Cardiff City, retiring in May 2007.
Tributes and Condolences
- Arsenal: Expressed deep sorrow at Campbell’s passing, highlighting his revered status within the club and extending thoughts to his friends and family.
- Everton: Sent their best wishes and support to Campbell and his family, emphasizing his fighting spirit and contributions to the club.
Personal Life
Campbell’s son, Tyrese, has played 146 matches for Stoke City since 2018, although his contract has not been renewed.
Legacy
Over his 20-year career, Campbell scored 149 goals in 521 professional matches. Notably, he holds the record for the most Premier League goals scored without representing the England national team, although he did play for England U21 and the England B team.
