John Hartson

John Hartson is a Welsh former professional footballer and sports television pundit who is best remembered for his time at Arsenal and Celtic clubs. He won Welsh Footballer of the Year three times and won the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year in 2005.

In a 15 year career, he made 496 club appearances and won 51 caps for Wales.

With his imposing presence and eye for goal, John became a sought-after striker in the Premier League. He broke British records at the age of 19 when Arsenal paid £2.5million, a record fee then for a teenager.

He went on to play for West Ham, Wimbledon, Coventry, Celtic and West Bromwich Albion, scoring 203 club goals, in addition to 14 for Wales.

John’s world was rocked In 2009, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Having ignored the signs for a few years, the cancer had spread to his brain. Showing the grit and determination seen on the pitch, John confronted the disease head-on, undergoing chemotherapy and surgery with an impressive resilience.

His journey resonated with so many, serving as a beacon of hope for those suffering with a cancer diagnosis.

John retired from playing in 2008 after numerous battles with injury but went on to establish himself as a TV pundit, including for Sky Sports, S4C, ITV and BT Sport. He has also dedicated himself to charitable endeavours, including founding The John Hartson Foundation, raising awareness about testicular cancer.

John is an engaging and captivating speaker, sharing stories about the world of football, Arsenal and Celtic, dealing with a gambling habit and his battle with cancer.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book former footballer, cancer survivor and charity founder John Hartson for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

After Dinner Cancer Awareness Health & Wellbeing Influencer Motivational Resilience Speaker Sport Virtual Speakers

More About John Hartson

John joined Luton Town FC at the age of 16 and turned professional in 1992, making his first team debut as a substitute in a 1–0 League Cup defeat to Cambridge United in August 1993. Two years later and at the age of 19 he joined Arsenal for £2.5 million, a British record fee for a teenage player at the time.

He scored his first goal for Arsenal in January 1995, the first of 17 goals for the north London club. The highlight in John’s first season at Arsenal was scoring Arsenal’s 75th-minute equaliser in the 1995 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final against Real Zaragoza, a match that ended 2-1 to the Spanish side.

John Hartson | Honours

Arsenal

UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup runner-up: 1994–95

Celtic

Scottish Premier League: 2001–02, 2003–04, 2005–06
Scottish Cup: 2003–04, 2004–05
Scottish League Cup: 2005–06

Individual

Welsh Footballer of the Year: 1998, 2001, 2003
PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year: 2005
SFWA Footballer of the Year: 2005
FAI International Personality: 2016

John Hartson Foundation

Following his own battle with cancer, John founded The John Hartson Foundation in 2010, a charitable organization which aims to raise awareness about testicular cancer and support those affected by the disease.

The foundation’s work includes funding initiatives for early cancer detection, providing support to patients and their families throughout their cancer journey, and raising awareness about the importance of regular check-ups and early intervention.

Through various fundraising events, partnerships, and community outreach programs, the John Hartson Foundation endeavors to make a positive impact on individuals and communities affected by testicular cancer. It also aims to encourage people to take proactive steps towards maintaining their health.

John Hartson Charity Testicular Cancer Brain Tumour foundation after dinner speaker at agent Great British Speakers

John Hartson | Books

John published John Hartson: The Autobiography.” in 2010, a book which tells the story of his life, both on and off the football pitch.

He delves into various aspects of his personal and professional journey, offering insights into his upbringing, early struggles, rise to football stardom, and the challenges he faced along the way.

One of the central themes of the book is John’s battle with testicular cancer.

John Hartson Arsenal Soccer Celtic Footballer Testicular Cancer Brain Tumour foundation after dinner speaker at agent Great British Speakers

Why book John Hartson?

John’s name is synonymous with courage, resilience, and the unbeatable human spirit. The story he tells is a reminder that no matter the obstacles we face, with perseverance and determination, we can emerge stronger on the other side. He provides a beacon of hope to those with cancer and the family of those suffering.