Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney pay touching tributes to tragic team-mate Kevin Campbell as football mourns death at 54
TRIBUTES poured in following the tragic news of Kevin Campbell’s death.
The Arsenal and Everton legend passed away aged 54 after being raced to hospital a week prior when he fell unwell.
It sent the football world into shock as tributes from clubs and players flooded in.
Arsenal posted: “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 added: “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.”
Former Arsenal team-mate David Seaman posted: “Devestating news that Kevin Campbell has been taken way too early.
“Such great memories of playing with Rambo during our time together @Arsenal – sending all my love to his family and friends.”
Tony Adams said: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.
Kevin Campbell's career stats
Arsenal: 1998-95, 163 appearances, 46 goals
Leyton Orient (loan): 1989, 16 appearances, 9 goals
Leicester City (loan): 1989, 11 appearances, 5 goals
Nottingham Forest: 1995-98, 77 appearances, 31 goals
Trabsonzpor: 1998-99, 18 appearances, 5 goals
Everton: 1998-05, 151 appearances, 39 goals
West Brom: 2004-06, 49 appearances, 6 goals
Total: 521 appearances, 149 goals
Honours: Arsenal – Division One (1991), FA Cup (1993), League Cup (1993), Community Shield (1991), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1994)
Nottingham Forest – Football League First Division (1998)
“An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.
“Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”
Strike parter Ian Wright had no words following the devastating news – instead he shared a series of photos alongside his friend.
Together, they won the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup as a formidable front two.
Also paying tribute, Arsenal fan Piers Morgan said: “What incredibly sad news. Top player, and a great guy. RIP.”
England’s official X account also wrote: “We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54.
“Kevin won four caps for our under-21s and represented our B team in the early 1990s.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.
During his time at the Gunners he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
After stints in Nottingham and Turkey he made 137 appearances for Everton where he scored another 39 goals.
In Merseyside, he became the club’s first black skipper and played with a young Wayne Rooney.
Rooney posted: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev. Thinking of all his family and friends.
“Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”
Campbell played for the Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before finishing off his career with a year at West Brom and then Cardiff City.
He called time on his career in May 2007 after the Baggies released him following their relegation from the Premier League.
In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.
He holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.
He did, however, make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.
In retirement, he became a beloved pundit for the likes of Sky Sports and will be a true loss to the footballing world.
