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Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne was once described as “the most naturally gifted English midfielder of his generation” by the National Football Museum.

Born and raised in Gateshead, he spent five years with Newcastle United as a youth, before turning professional in 1985, also with Newcastle. He was sold to Tottenham three years later, going on to win the FA Cup before being sold to Italian club Lazio in 1992. Over the next decade, he would go on to play for Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Gansu Tianma (China), and Boston United.

He is probably best known for his appearances playing for England. He was part of the squad that reached fourth place in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and the semi-finals of the 1996 UEFA Euros. His goal against Scotland at the Euros has been described as one of the best of the tournament.

After retiring from playing, he dipped his toe in the world of football managing. He signed for Boston United in 2004 as a player-coach for five games before leaving to begin a football coaching course. He also worked as a player-coach for Portuguese team Algarve United. Paul also had a stint coaching Kettering before stepping away from professional football.

In the latter parts of his career and following retirement, Paul’s life became dominated by mental and emotional problems, particularly addiction and alcoholism. He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in the early 2000s and experienced a range of mental illnesses.

 

Paul Gascoigne | Awards

Team Awards

– FA Youth Cup 1984=85

– FA Cup 1990-91

– Scottish Cup 1995-96

– Scottish League Cup 1996-97

– Football League Cup Runner Up 1997-98

 

Individual Awards

– PFA Young Player of the Year 1987-88

– Newcastle United Player of the Year 1987-88

– BBC Sports Personality of the Year 1990

– Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year 1990

– EFL Cup Top Score 1990-91

– BBC Goal of the Season 1990-91

– PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year 1995-96

– SFWA Footballer of the Year 1995-96

– SPFA Goal of the Season 1995-96

– English Football Hall of Fame Inductee 2002

– Rangers Hall of Fame Inductee 2006

 

Paul Gascoigne | Books

Paul has released several autobiographies, including:

– Gazza: My Story (2004)

– Being Gazza: Tackling My Demons (2006)

– Glorious: My World, Football, and Me (2011)

– Paul Gascoigne: Eight: The Real Gazza (2025)

 

Paul Gascoigne | Speaking Topics

– Football Career Highlights

– Elite Sport

– Fame and Life in the Public Eye

– Personal Struggles and Recovery from Addiction

– Mental Health

– Drive and Determination

– Maximising Success

– Peak Performance

 

Contact Great Sports Speakers today to check Paul’s availability and fees for personal appearances and speaking engagements.