Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54, as announced by his former clubs Arsenal and Everton on Saturday. Campbell, who died following a brief illness, holds the record for scoring the most goals in the Premier League (83) by a player who never earned an international cap.
Arsenal expressed deep sadness at the loss of their beloved former player, describing Campbell as a much-loved figure. He began his career with Arsenal as a schoolboy in 1985 and made his first-team debut in 1988. Campbell played 228 times for Arsenal, scoring 59 goals and winning several titles including a league title, an FA Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup, and a League Cup.
Campbell cherished his time playing for Arsenal, calling it a dream come true to represent the team he supported. His football journey also included a significant spell at Everton, where he scored 51 goals in 164 appearances. Everton also mourned Campbell’s passing, remembering him as one of their most popular and beloved former strikers.
Throughout his career, Campbell played for several other clubs including Leicester, Leyton Orient, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff. He highlighted scoring the winning goal in the 2000 Merseyside derby as one of his favorite memories in football. In January 2001, he was appointed Everton’s first black captain by manager Walter Smith.
