Paul Merson, speaker, is a much-loved former professional footballer and manager turned football television pundit.
Paul's football career began in 1984 when, at just 14, he signed with Arsenal. A talented attacking midfielder, he gained experience on loan at Brentford before returning to Arsenal in 1987. He scored on his debut and added three more goals in his first five starts.
Paul’s career brought numerous accolades, including PFA Young Player of the Year, the FA Cup, League Cup, and helping Arsenal secure their first European trophy in 24 years by winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup. While representing England, he faced personal struggles with addiction to alcohol, drugs, and gambling, seeking therapy to address these challenges.
After rehab, Paul, nicknamed 'The Magic Man' by Arsenal fans, continued to excel. He joined Middlesbrough for £4.5 million, becoming the most expensive non-Premiership signing at the time. His career also included successful spells with Aston Villa, Portsmouth, and Walsall, with his time at Villa standing out.
Since retiring in 2006, Paul has become a prominent Sky Sports pundit and match reporter on Soccer Saturday. He is also a sought-after speaker, known for his humour and honesty, sharing stories from his book How Not to Be a Professional Footballer and his candid account of overcoming addiction.
In 2024, Paul appeared on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, earning widespread admiration and becoming a fan favourite.
Paul Merson is available for both in-person and virtual events, including Q&A sessions, after-dinner speaking, luncheons, personal appearances, corporate engagements, and golf days. Contact PepTalk to find out availability and fees.
How can I book Paul Merson for my next event?
Email paul.merson@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Paul directly.
What topics does Paul Merson specialise in?
Paul Merson specialises in discussing football, addiction recovery, public speaking and more.
What is Paul Merson's speaking style like?
Paul’s delivery is open, honest, and highly entertaining. He shares fascinating stories with humour and candour, engaging audiences with his charm and revealing insights from his colourful football career.
Does Paul Merson offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Paul Merson offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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