Former Arsenal and Everton forward Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54.
Arsenal and Everton both announced Campbell’s death, with Arsenal stating on its website that he died “after a short illness.”
“A boyhood Arsenal supporter, Kevin joined our youth setup in 1985 aged 15 and soon set about demonstrating his incredible eye for goal, becoming the most prolific young striker in the country,” Arsenal’s statement read.
Campbell scored 59 goals in 228 appearances for Arsenal and helped them win the league title in 1991, along with the FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winner’s Cup.
He then moved to Nottingham Forest in 1995 before a brief spell in Turkish soccer and a move to Everton in March 1999.
Everton described Campbell as “not just a true Goodison Park hero and huge fans’ favorite, Kevin was the Blues’ first Black captain and also an incredible person, as anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would know.”
During his six-year spell at Everton, Campbell scored 51 goals in 164 matches.
He later played for West Bromwich Albion before ending his career at Cardiff.
“Kevin was always afforded the warmest of welcomes when he returned to Merseyside — and quite right, too,” Everton added.
“He was a giant of a man, a fabulous footballer, and he will be sorely missed by everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
