Paul Gascoigne

thumb Paul John Gascoigne (born 27 May 1967), nicknamed Gazza, is an English former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Regarded as one of the best playmakers of his generation and one of the best English footballers of all time, Gascoigne is described by the National Football Museum as "widely recognised as the most naturally talented English footballer of his generation". Gascoigne was immensely popular during his playing career, with television broadcaster Terry Wogan calling him "probably the most popular man in Britain today" in September 1990, and public interest in and adoration for him came to be known as "Gazzamania". Born and raised in Gateshead, Gascoigne signed schoolboy terms with Newcastle United before turning professional with the club in 1984. Three years later, he was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £2.2 million. He won the FA Cup with Spurs in 1991 before being sold to Italian club Lazio for £5.5 million. In 1995, he was transferred to Rangers for £4.3 million and helped the club to two league titles, a [[w:Scottish Cup]|Scottish Cup]] and a Scottish League Cup. He returned to England in a £3.4 million move to Middlesbrough in 1998. He debuted in the Premier League in the 1998–99 season, having already featured in the 1998 Football League Cup final. He switched to Everton in 2000 and later had spells with Burnley, Gansu Tianma and Boston United. Quotes I got a lot of media, so that was a pressure. The fans would give us a lot of attention too, but to be honest I didn’t mind that.” And when it comes to Gazzamania he has nothing but fond memories. I loved it. Opening shops, switching on the London lights, recording Fog on the Tyne, doing adverts. I enjoyed every minute and I was still performing on the pitch.” "Paul Gascoigne says he would repeat the good parts of his life 'in a heartbeat'", The Mirror (09 Apr 2022) Yeah it was half-time. It was in the cup final. The manager asked if I’d had a drink and I said no. And he went ‘go and get one’. So I had nine brandies and went out and I scored two in the cup final… got man of the match. But I wasn’t allowed to the after-dinner party because I’d already had my drinks at half-time! Quoted in "'IT MADE ME PLAY BETTER' I necked 9 brandies at half time… then scored TWICE in final – emotional Paul Gascoigne opens up about booze battle", The Sun (13 Oct 2025). When I played football, you knew what you were doing from Monday until Monday, but now when you wake up on a Monday, you think, ‘What am I going to do?’ You’ve got to find things to do. But like I said, things are looking up and I’m quite happy, you know. Quoted in "Paul Gascoigne shares tearful health update amid addiction recovery: ‘I don’t think about tomorrow’", The Independent (10 June 2026) Quotes about Gascoigne Daft as a brush. Bobby Robson quoted in "13 of the best stories about Gazza: Trout, yachts, pneumatic drills & more", Planet Football (27 May 2023) External links Category:1967 births Category:Living people Category:Soccer players from England Category:Autobiographers from England