Sol Campbell has revealed the proudest moment of his illustrious career — and named the three Arsenal teammates he considers among the best he ever played alongside.
Speaking to Brody Bryson (@winnerlilb) for Striver at StriveAid 2026, the former England and Arsenal defender reflected on the moments and players that made his career so special.
For Campbell, one achievement stands above the rest:
“I would say making my debut for England was definitely."
It was a milestone that carried extra significance after Campbell had represented England throughout the youth ranks.
Campbell's Proud England Moment
Campbell made his senior England debut against Hungary in November 1996, beginning an international career that would eventually produce 73 caps.
For a player who had progressed through his nation's age groups, stepping onto the pitch for the senior side represented the culmination of years of hard work.
His Three Lions career would go on to span three FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships, with Campbell becoming one of the country's most experienced defenders of his generation.
But when asked to identify the moment that made him proudest, it was that first senior appearance that immediately came to mind.
"I've played for England at all ages, and to make my full debut against Hungary was a very proud moment for me."
It is a reminder that even for players who go on to reach the very highest level, some of the most meaningful moments can be the ones where the dream first becomes reality.
Fellow Arsenal Invincibles Among Sol Campbell's Best Teammates
Campbell also had the chance to play alongside some of the greatest footballers of his generation during his career.
When asked to name the best teammates he had played alongside, two Arsenal legends immediately stood out.
"I would say there's several players that are definitely up there, but I would say the two players that I feel that was just incredible, was Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp."
Campbell then added another familiar name.
"There's also Robert Pires as well, incredible player as well. Forward going wise, those three guys were outstanding."
For Arsenal supporters, the answer will come as little surprise.
Campbell shared the pitch with Henry, Bergkamp and Pires during one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
A Teammate To An Arsenal Invincible
Campbell's Arsenal career remains one of the defining chapters of his time in football.
After making the controversial move from Tottenham to Arsenal in 2001, he quickly became a key part of Arsène Wenger's side.
His first season ended with a Premier League and FA Cup double.
Three years later came the achievement that would cement his place in Arsenal history.
Campbell started the majority of Arsenal's famous 2003/04 Premier League campaign, as Wenger's side went the entire season unbeaten.
The Invincibles finished the campaign with 26 wins and 12 draws, becoming the first English top-flight side in more than a century to complete a league season without defeat.
Campbell was at the heart of that defence.
Why Henry, Bergkamp And Pires Were So Special
Campbell's selection of Henry, Bergkamp and Pires also highlights the extraordinary attacking talent Arsenal possessed during that era.
Henry combined pace, power and finishing to become one of the Premier League's most feared forwards.
Bergkamp brought an entirely different dimension, with his touch, creativity and ability to see passes that others simply could not.
Pires provided another source of technical quality and goals from wide areas.
Together, they formed part of an Arsenal attack that helped define an era.
And Campbell was perfectly positioned to see their quality every day in training, telling Brody: “Those three guys were outstanding.”
Passing On Football's Greatest Stories
Campbell's reflections came during StriveAid 2026, where former professionals, creators and football personalities came together with supporters for a day built around football and community.
Campbell was speaking to @winnerlilb for Striver at StriveAid 2026, offering fans an insight into a career that included England appearances, Premier League titles and the historic Arsenal Invincibles season.
For supporters, moments like these offer something that watching old highlights cannot.
They provide the chance to hear directly from the players who experienced football history first-hand.
Campbell's memories of making his England debut and sharing a dressing room with Henry, Bergkamp and Pires are a reminder of just how many incredible stories sit behind the careers of football's biggest names.
And at StriveAid, those stories can be passed directly from the players who lived them to the next generation of supporters.
