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

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has died at the age of 54 after a short illness, BBC Sport reported.

Campbell scored 148 goals in 542 appearances across spells with eight clubs during his career.

He won four major trophies with Arsenal before going on to play for Leyton Orient, Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, Everton, West Brom and Cardiff.

Campbell made his final appearance as a player in February 2007 before moving into broadcasting.

Everton said earlier this month he became ill in May and was “very unwell” in hospital.

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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Kiywyo7nTr

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 15, 2024

“We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness,” said Arsenal.

“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 said: “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.”

Kevin Campbell, a legend who will never be forgotten 💗 pic.twitter.com/TmhLTGFm0n

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 15, 2024

After coming through Arsenal’s youth set-up, Campbell made his senior debut for the club in 1988, following loan spells with Leyton Orient and Leicester.

He scored nine goals in 22 appearances for the Gunners during their title-winning 1990-91 campaign.

Campbell then helped the London club win the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.

Forest signed Campbell in the summer of 1995, and he spent three seasons at the City Ground, scoring 22 goals in 39 games during his final term to help the club win promotion to the Premier League.

Following a short stint in Turkey with Trabzonspor, Campbell moved to Everton on loan in March 1999, scoring nine times in their final eight Premier League games to help the Toffees avoid relegation.

He was rewarded with a permanent deal that summer, and stayed for more than five seasons.

Campbell’s playing career came to an end with spells at West Brom and Cardiff.

After his death was announced, Campbell’s former Arsenal team-mate Ian Wright posted a number of crying emojis on X and images of the pair together.