Kevin Campbell’s son Tyrese pays heartbreaking tribute to Arsenal hero after tragic death

Tyrese Campbell has paid a poignant tribute to his father, Kevin (Image: Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

Tyrese Campbell paid respect to his father, Kevin, a 54-year-old former striker for Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal, calling him his “idol”.

The football player son of Kevin Campbell gave a heartfelt homage to his 54-year-old father.

The well-liked former striker for Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal has received a flood of tributes since his passing was revealed on Saturday. Before turning to broadcasting, Campbell, who finished with 148 goals in 542 games, played his last game in February 2007.

Campbell is a legend at Everton, where he became ill in May and spent time in the hospital feeling “very unwell” earlier this month. Like his father, Tyrese, a 24-year-old striker, left Championship team Stoke City at the end of the season when his contract expired.

After learning with sadness of his father’s passing, he paid respects on Instagram. “Thank you for that at such a difficult time. I appreciate my Dad was admired by many. The outpouring of love has been some comfort for us as a family,” he added.

“As a son, you see your dad as unbeatable, and the pain you feel from this is beyond words. He is my hero and the person I aspired to be when I was older.

“He was a unique individual who was cherished by many, a very special someone who was the life and spirit of every celebration and space he graced. I’ll miss you, Dad [emoji of a blue heart].

I now kindly request that our family’s privacy be respected while we grieve the loss of an incredibly special father, brother, uncle, and all-around wonderful person.

“Always love you, Dad [blue heart emoji].”

Kevin Campbell, who has tragically passed away at the age of 54 ( Image: PA)

Former Arsenal captain and teammate Tony Adams posted the following on X: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.” A wonderfully nice and deeply private person. I feel so bad for his family and for all of us. Super Kev, Skipper, I love you.

“Everyone at the club loved Kevin,” wrote Arsenal on social media. We are all praying for his family and friends during this trying time. Kevin, rest in peace.

Everton also honoured the man on social media, writing, “As anyone who has ever met him will attest, he was not only an amazing person but a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game.” Farewell, Super Kev.

“Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of Kevin Campbell’s passing,” Forest continued. Kevin played for three seasons at #NFFC and was a member of the team that won the 1998 First Division championship and was promoted. During this trying time, our thoughts are with his friends and family.