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Available to book

Speaker, pundit & recovery advocate

Paul Merson

Transform team performance with Paul Merson, speaker, football pundit and addiction recovery advocate. Paul works with organisations to deliver authentic leadership insights and resilience strategies, sharing expertise gained from his Premier League career and Sky Sports broadcasting.

Trusted by BBC Television South West, BBC, Finders Keepers Corporate Hospitality Co., Mercedes AMG

Paul Merson, Speaker | Former Footballer & Pundit
Paul Merson

Paul Merson

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Paul Merson's biography

At a glance

  • Former professional footballer and manager in the Premier League
  • Football television pundit with a significant following
  • Advocate for addressing addiction, sharing personal struggles and recovery journey
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.

Paul's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Paul Merson: Humorous Tales From Football And Management
Full of his much-loved humour, Paul Merson shares stories from his footballing and managerial career. The perfect peptalk for all sporting fans!
Addiction & Mental Health: A Q&A With Paul Merson
According to the latest Public Health England report on gambling, 0.5% of the population (approximately 246,000 people) are problem gamblers, and 3.8% (2.2 million people) are 'at-risk' gamblers. As someone who has struggled with addiction and mental health, Paul Merson is able to bring his experience, his vulnerability and his honesty to help beat the stigma and open up the conversation around addiction.

Why we recommend booking Paul

Paul will captivate your audience with his incredible football career and his candid, inspiring journey through addiction and recovery. His engaging storytelling and openness break down barriers and spark meaningful conversations.

Check Paul's availability

Trusted by BBC Television South West, BBC, Finders Keepers Corporate Hospitality Co., Mercedes AMG

Testimonials

Paul was so open and honest. I thought some areas would be off limits but he could not have been more revealing or amusing about his colourful career.

Matthew Pick

BBC Television South West

Paul gave a very open and interesting talk about the highs and the lows of his career in football and his life in general. I found him a charming guy and great company.

Andrew Brassington

Finders Keepers Corporate Hospitality Co.

Paul is a very entertaining speaker and undoubtedly a great character with some fascinating stories about his life both on and off the field. One of the best speakers we have had at our annual dinner.

Brian Eccleshall

The Bass Charity Vase

Featured Projects

Paul Merson - Hooked: Addiction And The Long Road To Recovery book cover
Paul Merson - How Not To Be A Professional Footballer book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Paul Merson for my next event?

What is Paul Merson's speaking style like?

Paul Merson draws on first-hand accounts from his playing and managerial career, structuring talks around personal narrative, including his recovery from addiction to alcohol, drugs, and gambling, to open discussion on mental health and stigma.

What topics does Paul Merson specialise in?

Paul Merson speaks on footballing and managerial career stories, addiction and mental health, and the personal experience of recovery from alcohol, drug, and gambling dependency. He is a former Arsenal and England footballer who won the FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup, and has been a Sky Sports pundit on Soccer Saturday since retiring in 2006.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.