Kevin Campbell: Former Arsenal and Everton striker dies aged 54

Kevin Campbell played up front for Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Everton among others in an almost 20-year career at the top; Campbell scored 148 goals in 542 games; the Lambeth-born forward then enjoyed a successful media career

Kevin Campbell has died aged 54, his former club Arsenal have confirmed.

Campbell played up front for clubs including Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Everton, scoring 148 goals in 542 club games across an almost 20-year career at the top.

An Everton statement 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.”

After hanging up his boots in May 2007, Campbell went on to enjoy a successful media career working for, among others, Sky Sports.

Sky Sports News paid tribute to Campbell: “Kevin Campbell was a superb striker and a fans favourite everywhere he played. Latterly, he was a genuine friend and colleague to everyone at Sky Sports News where he brought tremendous warmth and energy to his insights and punditry.

“Kevin and his dickie bows every Thursday on The Football Show will remain in our fondest of memories. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and all those football fans who loved him.”

The Lambeth-born forward began his career with Arsenal, who he made his debut for in May 1988, going on to win the First Division title (1990-91), FA Cup and League Cup (1992-93) and the European Cup Winners’ Cup (1993-94) with the north London club.

Campbell – whose son Tyrese played for Stoke City between 2018 and 2024 – scored 60 goals in 224 appearances for George Graham’s Gunners side, before joining Forest in the summer of 1995, while he also spent the 1998-99 season at Trabzonspor.

However, his time in Turkey was short-lived, with Everton initially bringing him back to the Premier League on loan in March 1999 to aid their relegation battle.

And Campbell’s impressive return of nine goals in eight league outings saved the club from the drop, while also earning him a permanent £3m move to Goodison Park that summer.

The striker ended his seven-year stay on Merseyside as the Toffees’ fifth-highest Premier League goal scorer, including famously netting the winner against Liverpool at Anfield in 1999.

Campbell also played for both West Bromwich Albion (2005-06) – helping to keep the Baggies in the Premier League that campaign – and Cardiff City (2006-07), while he also scored one goal in four England U21 appearances between 1990 and 1992.

A Premier League statement said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Everton and West Brom striker.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and those associated with the clubs he played for.”