Paul Gascoigne recalls ‘horrific’ hallucinations during Red Bull withdrawal
The ex-footballer said he has since overcome his addiction but remains critical of modern football
Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has spoken candidly about what he described as “horrific” withdrawal symptoms after consuming up to 30 cans of Red Bull a day, recalling hallucinations and extreme disorientation during his recovery.
The 59-year-old, widely known as Gazza, said he previously sought treatment in Arizona to address his energy drink addiction, but described the withdrawal period as deeply disturbing and mentally destabilizing.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Gascoigne said the experience included severe hallucinations that left him unable to distinguish reality from imagination.
“I thought trees were dinosaurs and everything,” he said. “The withdrawal was horrific.”
He also recalled isolating himself during rehab, saying he once sat on a rock for four days without moving, only speaking briefly each morning and night.
“I sat on a rock for four days and didn’t move. I just said, ‘Good morning, and good night.’ That’s all I did,” he said.
Gascoigne has since overcome his addiction struggles, but admitted he has become increasingly disillusioned with modern football.
He criticized elements of the current game, including VAR and diving, saying the sport no longer resembles what he once played.
“I try not to watch football as much. With this VAR and the players diving about, I cannot handle it,” he said.
When asked whether the game has “gone,” Gascoigne replied that it has changed significantly, adding that modern football may eventually resemble American sports in style and structure.
He also took aim at high-earning players, suggesting some lack basic technical ability despite their wages.
“You see some players on £400,000 a week and they can’t even trap a bag of cement,” he said.
Looking ahead, Gascoigne said he plans to watch England’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, calling their opening clash against Croatia a difficult test.
“We must get at least a draw. That’s going to be the toughest game,” he said, adding that he remains uncertain whether England can finally replicate their 1966 World Cup triumph.
“We’ve been saying that since 1966,” he added.
