Arsenal and Everton's Moving Tribute to Kevin Campbell

It has been several months since we lost one of the most kind and humble people I have ever known. I was in Italy earlier this year, travelling on a tram in Florence toward the airport to return home from a holiday when a close friend let me know the news that Kevin had sadly passed away. The news hit hard; the world felt a little less bright.

Being in the Arsenal online video and media space, I had come to know Kevin initially through YouTube. He came on The Gooner Talk as a guest and through our mutual friend and host of the Highbury Squad Sophie Nicolau; we also had the pleasure of doing a live podcast on the rooftop of the Hippodrome in London. Every time I met up with Kevin he brought such joy to any space he was in.

The first time was at the Twelve Pins after Arsenal’s win over Watford in which Petr Cech had finally saved a penalty for Arsenal, against Troy Deeney, the pantomime villain, of all people. Naturally, we had a good laugh about that in the short breaks he got from being asked for selfies with fans inside the pub which he never shied away from; he always put a smile on supporters’ faces. This kind and giving nature was ingrained into Kevin. At the Hippodrome he handed out official Arsenal Zenith coins to members of the audience and encouraged those in attendance to come up after, speak with him and make time to chat about the love for Arsenal everyone mutually shared.

As I moved into the media scene with football.london, I would see Kevin more frequently as he conducted punditry work for different broadcasters. I remember walking into the relatively small St. James' Park press lounge to be greeted by the widespread arms and the bellowing "Tom!" which would be quickly followed by an introduction to all the presenters and crew he would be working with that day. You always felt like Kevin had your back, that he would do whatever was in his power to support you. Be that making connections, coming on shows out of the kindness of heart or just sharing a drink with you - which you could never pay for yourself, unless you did so without telling him.

I know that I am a better person just as a result of knowing, let alone being friends with, Kevin. His energy was so infectious and the way he spoke not just about football but general life stuff would make you listen. His positive influence extended far beyond the pitch.

A Legacy of Kindness and Footballing Excellence

Ahead of Arsenal's match with Everton on Saturday afternoon, plans are in place to celebrate the life of Super Kev. The Kevin Campbell Foundation was set up in the wake of his passing to help continue the charitable work that Kevin did during his life and are involved in the day's events. If you are reading this and attending today's match, please get to the game earlier than usual and take your seats as both clubs will be paying tribute in the build-up to the game. If you're not able to attend, spare a thought as we remember a truly lovely man.

Campbell passed away at the age of 54 in June after falling unwell earlier in the month, leading to an outpouring of emotion from the football community. The popular forward came up through the ranks at Arsenal and found the net 55 times for the north London side in 216 appearances, lifting the First Division title in 1991 and the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993. He later spent six years at Everton between 1999 and 2005, scoring 50 goals for the side, and left a lasting impression having become a fan favourite with the Toffees. He notably helped the club avoid relegation in 1999, scoring nine goals in the final eight league matches. In a glittering career he also played for Leyton Orient, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, West Brom and Cardiff City before hanging up his boots in 2007.

Tributes Pour In From Across the Football World

A picture of Kevin Campbell appeared on the programme ahead of Arsenal versus Everton. The popular figure played for both teams and it is their first meeting since his tragic death. A picture of Campbell during his Gunners days was featured on the front of the matchday programme with fans of both teams picking up copies of the edition as they headed into the ground. In the stadium itself, an image of the two sides' former centre-forward appeared on the big screen. A banner of the iconic star had also appeared outside the ground showing Campbell playing for each side, ahead of the pivotal match between title contenders Arsenal and relegation battlers Everton. Then as the players walked out on a sunny day in London, fans held up huge banners displaying the striker's old shirt, along with those of fellow Gunners David Rocastle and Jose Antonio Reyes, and pictures of him in action for the club and for the Toffees.

Tributes to the former Arsenal and Everton star have poured in from across the footballing world. His son, Tyrese, posted an emotional tribute to his dad on Instagram. Several former Everton players have also paid tribute, including Wayne Rooney, who described Campbell as a 'brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.' Ian Wright, visibly emotional, stated that Campbell 'meant the whole world' to him. Alan Shearer praised Campbell's 'infectious personality,' while David Moyes highlighted Campbell's helpfulness during Moyes' early years at Everton.

A Memorial Service and Continuing Legacy

In September, Toffees legends including David Unsworth, Peter Reid and Graham Stuart all made their way to St Luke's Church in Liverpool to say their final farewell to Campbell. Campbell's son, Tyrese, who has six goals in 14 league matches this season for high-flying Sheffield United in the Championship, was also in attendance. Frank Sinclair, a close friend, paid tribute by wearing a bow tie—a nod to Campbell's signature style. The memorial service was a testament to the widespread love and respect for Campbell, uniting fans and former colleagues in shared grief and celebration of his life.

Remembering Super Kev: A Celebration of Life

Arsenal and Everton fans have paid a heart-warming tribute to Kevin Campbell as well as Jose Antonio Reyes and David Rocastle. The outpouring of support underscores the lasting impact Campbell had on the football community. His contributions transcended the sporting arena. He was involved in the Black Footballers Partnership, working to uplift the voices of black footballers and making a significant contribution to social justice. His contributions extended beyond the pitch, making his death even more poignant.

The tributes for Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell are a testament to the enduring legacy of a remarkable individual. His kindness, infectious energy, and unwavering support touched countless lives. This Saturday's match serves not just as a football game but as a celebration of his life and the profound impact he had on and off the field. Kevin Campbell may be gone, but his spirit, his legacy, and the joy he brought to so many will live on forever. The collective mourning and celebration will certainly be something the footballing world will never forget. This is a moment to reflect on his life and his impact, far beyond the realm of just football. His memory remains a beacon of positivity and a testament to the human spirit.