Football legend Paul Gascoigne unrecognisable in new photo

One of the world’s biggest football stars of the 1990s has been pictured taking part in a new role near his home in Bournemouth.

A barely recognisable Paul Gascoigne coaching junior football along with talent agency chief Katie Davies and her son Mason. Photo: The Sun

England and Tottenham legend Paul Gascoigne has been pictured showing the effects of his hard-living lifestyle.

The man affectionately known as “Gazza” became one of football’s biggest stars in the 1990s, playing a starring role for England at the 1990 World Cup and 1996 European Championships.

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One of his country’s greatest ever talents, he was also beloved for his larrikin attitude early on in his career.

But most football pundits believe he never realised his full potential, only showing flashes of brilliance as disciplinary and off-field issues took a toll.

Gascoigne has had significant problems with alcohol both during his career and in retirement, leading to repeated run-ins with the law along with physical and mental health concerns.

Paul Gascoigne starred at Euro 96 at Wembley.

He played with a number of clubs across his career, signing with Everton in July 2000.

Gazza also had repeated issues with law enforcement, shown here leaving Chelsea Police Station in London after being arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm on November 8, 2006. (AP Photo/PA, Stefan Rousseau)

Now at the age of just 56, Gazza has the appearance of a much older man and still finds himself in the headlines, often for the wrong reasons.

As recently as last month, Gascoigne was involved in a heated argument with a couple outside a Bournemouth hotel.

He has also spoken publicly a number of times about his troubles with addiction.

Having spent time with Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio, Rangers and Middlesbrough in his career, among others, the attacking midfielder unsuccessfully tried his hand at management.

Born in Gateshead in England’s north east, Gazza is currently living in Bournemouth and helping out a kids’ team, according to a report in The Sun.

A barely recognisable Paul Gascoigne coaching junior football along with talent agency chief Katie Davies and her son Mason. Photo: The Sun

Gazza (middle back) is said to be loving the role. Photo: The Sun

The England great is working with the Dexter Sports Youth U11 Bengals, even showing off some of his renowned skills to the kids, and says it gives him great joy.

“I enjoy going down to help the kids in my local area,” Gascoigne told The Sun.

“I go to training and teach them some of my skills and old tricks.

“I love watching and cheering on the sideline on Sundays.”

Katie Davies runs The MNT talent agency which represents Gazza and sponsors the kids’ team, whose players include her son Mason.

Prince William with Gascoigne on September 07, 2023 in Bournemouth. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Davies said his appearances at training has an enormous impact on the budding footballers and their families.

“Gazza is such a legend and has so much experience to share,” she said. “The kids love him.

“It’s not many kids who can say they’ve got one of England’s best players coaching them.

“Paul loves it and comes along to all the games.

“He’s on great form and is still as canny as ever.

“It’s amazing to see the reaction from other parents when he turns up on the sideline. Everyone wants a picture with him.”

Originally published as Football legend Paul Gascoigne unrecognisable in new photo