Kevin Campbell's heartbreaking last selfie on social media from 2023 as football mourns death of Arsenal and Everton legend at 54

The tragic news that Kevin Campbell had passed away emerged on Saturday morning after the striker's battle with illness. 

Campbell spent two decades in the game, scoring some 107 goals in 394 English top-flight appearances with stints at boyhood club Arsenal and Everton the most prevalent in his career. 

However, reports arose earlier in June that the player had been taken to hospital after falling unwell, before the tragic news came on Saturday morning. 

Campbell's last picture of himself on social media - which came some 15 months ago - is particularly poignant. 

Posing with a box of goods from company Earthborn Naturals, who specialise in products made from entirely natural ingredients, the former striker wrote on Instagram: 'I have got it thanks Earthborn Naturals. Health is Wealth.'

Tributes have flooded in from around the game for Campbell, with former club Everton describing him as an 'icon of the English game'.

'Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54,' the club wrote on X. 

'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.'

Ian Wright shared of series of photos of himself and Campbell during their time together at Arsenal. 

Former Wales goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who played alongside Campbell at Forest wrote: 'Life can be so cruel at times. 

'Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest teammate Kevin Campbell’s passing, a true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun loving guy, thoughts are with all his family and friends RIP mate.'

England also posted a message following the passing of Campbell, who represented the Three Lions four times at U21 level.  

'We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54. Kevin won four caps for our under-21s and represented our B team in the early 1990s. Our thoughts are with Kevin's family, friends and loved ones.' 

Mail Sport understands that the former striker's health issues started with a stroke suffered a few months ago.

Campbell then developed kidney failure and his weight had dropped to nine stone by time of death.

The 54-year-old was trying to be positive despite his declining health and had messaged his old Arsenal team-mates to tell them he was fine before his untimely passing on Saturday.