After word of the former Arsenal and Everton forward’s illness spread, the football community as a whole showed tremendous support for him while he was receiving treatment in a hospital.
Following the announcement that Kevin Campbell, the former star of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Everton, is presently ill, well-wishers from all across the football world are expressing their support for him.
The 54-year-old was admitted to the hospital earlier this week, according to information obtained by The Liverpool Echo.
After rising through the ranks at Arsenal, Campbell was a member of the teams that won the FA and League Cups in 1993, the First Division in 1991, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994. He made 213 appearances overall and scored 59 goals for the Gunners. In 82 games since joining Nottingham Forest in 1995, he scored 31 goals.
In March 1999, following a stint with Turkish club Trabzonspor, he signed a loan deal to join Everton.
With one game remaining, Campbell’s nine goals in five games at Goodison Park ensured Everton would finish in the top flight. Quite the scoring binge. In October 2021, Campbell shared with the Echo his reflections on the passing of his late manager Walter Smith: “I didn’t want it to end like that, I was enjoying Turkey but I needed to be playing.”
He went on, “I was an experienced player and Everton just seemed to be a perfect fit,” making note of how he came to be with the Blues. “What’s the chance we can get him over?” Walter Smith asked my agent.
“I believe there were five clubs in line for me, and after hearing Everton, I stopped listening to anything else. Walter really enjoyed that part. I think you could see that we clicked from the start based on the team’s performances.
“He made me captain as well, the first black captain of Everton, which is something that I’m so proud, and he was instrumental in all the good parts for me so I cannot thank him enough.”
On X (formerly Twitter), fans have come together in support of Campbell, who played 164 times for Everton and scored 51 goals. “In 1999, Evertonians prayed to God, and Kevin Campbell answered,” wrote a fan named Ste Kelly. We are currently in a state of prayer to God for Kevin Campbell; let him receive our help. Big guy, reach down deep and grab this.”
Trevor Sinclair, a former Premier League player, tweeted: “Prayers, love, and light to Kevin Campbell.” incredibly beautiful person.”
“Sending love, strength, and best wishes to Super Kevin Campbell,” Rob Coppell praised. Emma Webb posted: “Just heard about Kevin Campbell… sending all my love to him, praying he gets well soon.” Ryan Fletcher continued, saying, “Kevin Campbell and his entire family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. I sincerely hope Kevin, who is among the nicest guys I’ve ever met, recovers fully and gets well soon.”