John Hartson

Former Professional Footballer for Wales & Celtic, Founder & Ambassador of the John Hartson Foundation

  • TV Pundit for S4C, Sky Sports & BT Sports
  • Survivor of Testicular Cancer
  • Advocate for gambling addiction support
  • Author of “Please Don’t Go: Big John’s Journey Back to Life”

Discover John Hartson’s biography of published work below.

Please Don't Go, John Hartson
Please Don’t Go: Big John’s Journey Back to Life
John Hartson's Celtic Dream, John Hartson
John Hartson’s Celtic Dream Team
The Autobiography, John Hartson
The Autobiography

When John Hartson is booked for events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

Testicular Cancer
Mental Health
Resilience
Recovery
Gambling Addiction
Breaking Down Stigma Surrounding Addiction

John Hartson’s journey in football began in 1992 and quickly flourished into a distinguished career, with the Welsh striker making a significant impact on the pitch. He achieved 167 goals over 399 club appearances, including a standout period with Celtic, where he joined the elite group of players who scored over 100 goals for the team. John’s skills were also showcased internationally, as he earned 51 caps for Wales and netted 14 goals. His talent earned him wide recognition, including Welsh Footballer of the Year titles in 1998, 2001, and 2003, as well as prestigious accolades like the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year and SFWA Footballer of the Year in 2005. After retiring, he became a well-known sports pundit for networks such as Setanta Sports, ITV, and BT Sport.

However, John’s life took a dramatic turn in 2009 when he was diagnosed with stage-four cancer. The disease had started as testicular cancer but had spread to his brain and lungs. He had noticed lumps years earlier but delayed seeking medical attention, a decision that made his battle far more difficult. Facing aggressive treatment and multiple surgeries, he emerged as a survivor with a powerful message about the importance of early detection. This experience led him to establish The John Hartson Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about testicular cancer and supporting others facing similar battles.

In addition to his health struggles, John has been candid about his fight with gambling addiction, an issue that deeply affected his personal and professional life. Through his openness, he sheds light on the realities of addiction and encourages others to recognise the signs and seek help. His involvement in events such as Safer Gambling Week highlights his commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices.

As a speaker, John Hartson draws from these experiences to engage and inspire audiences. His story of overcoming life’s toughest challenges – whether in sports, health, or personal struggles – resonates deeply. He is also a vocal advocate for tackling the stigma surrounding addiction. Having struggled with gambling addiction, John knows firsthand the shame and secrecy that often accompany the issue. His decision to share his journey publicly has helped to demystify addiction, framing it not as a moral failure but as a serious mental health condition that requires support and understanding. By speaking out, he aims to show that recovery is possible and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. He emphasises resilience, mental health, and the courage to confront issues before they escalate, making him a passionate advocate for wellbeing at events and conferences.

Official Testimonials

John Hartson is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“We had our special star guest, the ex-professional, Premiership and International footballer John Hartson, who presented his fascinating, inspirational and deeply honest personal story. This was an absolutely amazing presentation covering a multitude of important topics and at times amusing stories and anecdotes. In a short amount of time, John managed to cover many subjects such as; success in sport, ambition, gambling addiction, cancer, resilience and recovery. He also made time to field a range of questions from the audience.”

The Decommissioning Alliance

“It was a pleasure to welcome John Hartson to Parkland Place to discuss our services and the help we offer to those struggling with gambling addiction. We look forward to building this relationship and sharing our expertise.”

Cheryl, Services & Residential Manager, Adferiad Recovery

“John was a brilliant, fantastic speaker and very sociable outside of the dinner arena – would highly recommend.”

CECA Wales

To enquire about John Hartson for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@mentalhealthspeakers.co.uk or call a booking agent on 0203 9816 296.