“Health is Wealth” Remembering Kevin Campbell, a Football Legend and Beloved Friend
Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell’s final Instagram selfie will serve as a heartbreaking reminder to all – after including the phrase “health is wealth” in his post. The ex-footballer passed away on Saturday aged just 54, after being admitted to the hospital at the end of May. Arsenal confirmed his death following a short illness, told The Sun.
Campbell’s poignant message, accompanied by his most recent selfie, was posted in March 2023. Posing with products from Earthborn Naturals, a company specializing in healthy food and drink, he wrote, “I have got it thanks Earthborn Naturals. Health is Wealth.”
The much-loved footballer enjoyed a career on the pitch that lasted almost two decades before moving on to work as a pundit following his retirement in 2007. During his career and beyond, he impacted many lives, prompting a flood of tributes when the tragic news emerged.
Arsenal paid tribute with a heartfelt statement: “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.”
Campbell’s former Arsenal teammate Ian Wright, working as a pundit on ITV Sport during Euro 2024, expressed the rawness of the situation. When asked to share a few words about his friend, Wright said, “I can’t really go too deep into it. It’s very fresh. I only heard this morning. Obviously, my best wishes and condolences go to his family but it’s too soon for me to talk about it. Anytime I start to talk about it I well up. He meant the whole world to a lot of people, especially myself.”
Campbell’s son, Tyrese, also took to social media to share a touching tribute to his father. The former Stoke striker wrote, “I appreciate my Dad was admired by many & the outpouring of love has been some comfort for us as a family, so thank you for that at such a difficult time, via ITV Sports.
“The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your Dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one I wanted to be when I grew up. He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one in a million person that was loved by everyone, a special special person. I’ll miss you Dad [blue heart emoji].
“I would now ask that the privacy of our family is respected as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable Father, Brother, Uncle and all-round amazing human being. Love you always Dad [blue heart emoji].”
Campbell began his career at Arsenal, making his way into the first team after a prolific junior scoring record, including a hat-trick in the Gunners’ 1988 FA Youth Cup win. He scored 59 goals in 224 games for Arsenal and won the 1990-91 league title, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. After joining Nottingham Forest in 1995, Campbell spent three years with the club, followed by a season at Trabzonspor before moving to Everton in 1999.
At Everton, he stayed until 2005, where he served as captain under Walter Smith, and finished his career with spells at West Brom and Cardiff. Reflecting on his time with Campbell at West Brom, former teammate Nigel Quashie shared, “Growing up you along with many footballers who made it out of South London gave me hope of trying to be a footballer one day.”
Quashie recounted his first encounter with Campbell, emphasizing his inspirational presence and warm personality. “We Have Lost A Special Person Today Who Will Be Truly Missed. Sleep Well King Kev.”
Kevin Campbell’s legacy as a footballer, mentor, and friend will be cherished by many, reminding us all of the importance of health and the impact of a life well-lived.