Veteran Footballer Kevin Campbell Passes Away at 54 Years Old
Campbell made 228 appearances for Arsenal in the '80s and '90s, clinching the English First Division title, the FA Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. He later transferred to Nottingham Forest and Everton, where he was the club's first Black captain and adored by fans, particularly for scoring nine goals in five matches to prevent relegation from the Premier League in the 1998/99 season.
Benevolent words have flooded in from ex-teammates, with Wayne Rooney – who played with Campbell at Everton – stating he was "gutted to hear thenews."
"Kevwas a cracking teammate yet more significantly, a fantastic individual who assisted me greatly in my initial years," the former England and Manchester United striker shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He subsequently spent time at West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City before hanging up his soccer boots in 2007 and diving into a media career as a pundit.
Born in London, Campbell developed a passion for Arsenal and joined the club's academy at 15, rapidly revealing his goal-scoring talent. He later partnered with fellow forward Ian Wright and the two proved pivotal in Arsenal's historic 1992/93 season, where it claimed both the FA Cup and League Cup trophies.
Wright posted several images on social media of the two of them on Saturday.
Campbell was deeply cherished at Arsenal, with the club acknowledging in a statement that "he remained a dear and adored friend to many at the club, always cultivating the close relationships that began in his early days at Highbury."
Similarly at Everton, he was quoted as "one of the most beloved men to ever wear the royal blue jersey," according to the club’s statement.
Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams shared on X, "Super Kev: a goal-scoring powerhouse, an imposing figure of a man, with an even bigger heart. An intensely private yet lovely human being. I'm utterly wrecked for his loved ones, and we all are. Love you,Super Kev, Captain."
Campbell's 24-year-old son Tyrese thanked those offering condolences for the "outpouring of affection" that followed his father's demise.
"The pain of this is inexpressible, and as a son, you view your dad as invincible. He was my role model, the individual I yearned to emulate when I grew up," he wrote on Instagram Stories.
"He was the life and soul of every gathering and room he graced, a one-in-a-million person who was cherished by everyone. A truly unique, unforgettable individual. I'll miss you, Dad."
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After hearing about Kevin Campbell's passing, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney expressed his condolences on social media, calling Campbell a "cracking teammate" and a "fantastic individual."
Reminiscing about their time together at Everton, former Arsenal captain Tony Adams posted a tribute on social media, describing Campbell as "a goal-scoring powerhouse" with an "even bigger heart."
