Former professional footballer Kevin Campbell, a striker who played for prominent clubs like Arsenal and Everton, has passed away at the age of 54. The news was announced by his former club Arsenal on Saturday.
Campbell succumbed to a brief illness. Notably, he held the record for the most Premier League goals (83) scored by a player who never received an international cap.
Campbell’s football journey began at Arsenal in 1985, joining the club as a youth player. He progressed to the first team in 1988 and went on to make a significant impact. During his 228 appearances for the Gunners, he contributed 59 goals and played a key role in securing a league title, an FA Cup, a European Cup Winners Cup, and a League Cup for the club.
“Fulfilling a lifelong dream,” is how Campbell described the experience of playing for his childhood favorite team.
Following his stint at Arsenal, Campbell moved to Everton, showcasing his talent in 164 games and scoring 51 goals. He played a crucial role in the 1999 season, scoring nine goals in five matches and aiding the team in their fight against relegation.
Campbell cherished scoring the winning goal in the 2000 Merseyside derby, Everton’s last victory at Anfield for over two decades. “The sight of the Everton fans celebrating wildly at the Kop End will forever be etched in my memory,” he recounted.
He made history at Everton by becoming the club’s first black captain in January 2001 under manager Walter Smith. “Being appointed the first black captain of Everton is a source of immense pride for me,” Campbell stated.
Campbell’s career extended beyond Arsenal and Everton, with him playing for clubs such as Leicester City, Leyton Orient, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff City. Notably, he was part of the “great escape” at West Brom, where the team became the first in Premier League history to avoid relegation after occupying the bottom spot at Christmas.
Kevin Campbell’s son, Tyrese Campbell, also followed in his father’s footsteps and is a striker who recently departed Stoke City after a seven-year tenure with the club.
