40+ Fascinating Facts About Paul Gascoigne – The Genius and the Madness of Gazza

Few footballers have captured the hearts of fans like Paul Gascoigne, affectionately known as “Gazza.” A dazzlingly talented midfielder with a troubled soul, Gascoigne’s career was filled with incredible highs, unforgettable goals, and heartbreaking lows.

From his Euro ‘96 magic to his legendary spell at Tottenham Hotspur, and his deep struggles off the pitch, Paul Gascoigne remains one of the most complex and compelling figures in football history.

Here are over 40 fascinating facts about Paul Gascoigne, blending brilliance, chaos, humor, and legacy.

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Quick Bio: Paul Gascoigne at a Glance

• Full Name: Paul John Gascoigne
• Date of Birth: May 27, 1967
• Place of Birth: Gateshead, England
• Nickname: Gazza
• Position: Midfielder
• Clubs: Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, and others
• England Caps: 57 appearances, 10 goals

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Early Life and Youth Career

1. Paul Gascoigne grew up in Gateshead, a working-class town in northeast England.
2. He was scouted at a young age by Newcastle United, his boyhood club.
3. His family struggled financially, and Paul later admitted to stealing food as a child.
4. He lost a close friend in a car accident at age 10, something he said deeply affected him for life.
5. Gazza once said, “Football saved me. Without it, I don’t know what I would’ve become.”

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Club Career Facts

Newcastle United (1985–1988)

6. He made his debut for Newcastle United in 1985 at the age of 18.
7. He was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 1988.
8. Alex Ferguson almost signed him for Manchester United, but he chose Spurs after they promised a house for his family.

Tottenham Hotspur (1988–1992)

9. Gascoigne became a national star during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.
10. He scored one of the most famous FA Cup goals ever in 1991 — a 35-yard free kick against Arsenal.
11. He seriously injured himself in the 1991 FA Cup Final, missing over a year of football.

Lazio (1992–1995)

12. Paul signed with Lazio for £5.5 million — a huge fee at the time.
13. He struggled with injuries and the language barrier in Italy but became a fan favorite.
14. Gazza once burped into a live microphone during a press conference in Rome.
15. He scored a famous equalizer in the Rome Derby against Roma.

Rangers (1995–1998)

16. Gascoigne thrived in Scotland, winning two league titles with Rangers.
17. He scored a memorable hat trick against Aberdeen to clinch the 1996 title.
18. He was Scottish Football Writers’ Player of the Year in 1996.

Other Clubs

19. Later played for Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Gansu Tianma (China), and Boston United.
20. None of these later moves ever came close to his earlier impact.

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England Career and Euro ‘96 Glory

21. Gazza made his England debut in 1988.
22. He starred at Italia ‘90, famously crying after receiving a yellow card that would’ve suspended him for the final.
23. That image of him crying made him a national treasure overnight.
24. His goal against Scotland in Euro ’96 is one of the most iconic England goals ever.
25. The dentist chair celebration after that goal became legend.
26. He was controversially left out of the 1998 World Cup squad, leading to a breakdown.

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Funny and Bizarre Gazza Stories

27. He once turned up to teammate Gary Charles’s wedding with a fishing rod and in a chicken costume.
28. Gazza reportedly brought a raw chicken, a dressing gown, and four cans of lager to a police standoff in 2010, thinking he could calm the gunman.
29. He claimed to own 1,000 fishing rods, but rarely fished with them.
30. Gazza once impersonated a priest to sneak into a hospital.
31. He called his pet parrot “Harry” — after Harry Redknapp.

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Struggles with Mental Health and Addiction

32. Paul Gascoigne has battled alcoholism, depression, bulimia, and OCD.
33. He’s had multiple stints in rehab in the UK and abroad.
34. Despite the setbacks, he’s always been open about his struggles, helping reduce stigma.
35. In his own words:

“I’ve had loads of ups and downs, but I’m still standing. That counts for something.”

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Books, Documentaries, and Media

36. His autobiography “Gazza: My Story” became a bestseller.
37. He was the subject of several documentaries, including “Gascoigne” (2015).
38. He’s frequently cited in football culture books, podcasts, and shows about 90s football.

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Legacy and Impact

39. Despite his demons, he is widely seen as one of England’s most gifted footballers ever.
40. Players like Wayne Rooney, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden cite Gazza as a major influence.
41. Many fans still chant “There’s only one Gazza!” at England matches.
42. He is remembered equally for his genius, vulnerability, and unfiltered personality.

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