Kevin Campbell: Former Arsenal and Everton striker dies, aged 54, after illness

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has died, aged 54.

The Londoner was hospitalised earlier in June, with former club Everton confirming at the time that Campbell was “very unwell”. Sports Management International on Saturday morning confirmed Campbell had passed away.

"Wow this one really hurts,” a post on X read. “Rest easy KC a true friend and gentleman. Thoughts with Kevs 2 boys and the rest of his family."

Campbell came through the Gunners academy before helping them to the First Division title, FA Cup and League Cup as he racked up over 200 appearances.

Arsenal posted on X: “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.”

Everton also paid tribute to Campbell on social media, writing: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.

"Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well - as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev."

Campbell began his career at Arsenal and made his way into the first-team at Highbury after a prolific junior scoring record, including a hat-trick in the Gunners' 1988 FA Youth Cup win, and loan spells at Leicester and Leyton Orient.

He scored 59 goals in 224 games for Arsenal and, alongside the 1990-91 league title, also won the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.

Campbell spent three years at Nottingham Forest after joining them in 1995 and had a one-season stop at Trabzonspor before moving to Everton in 1999.

He stayed at Everton until 2005, where he spent time as captain under Walter Smith, and finished his career with spells at West Brom and Cardiff.