An Old Picture Shows Gordon Ramsay in a Professional Soccer Team

A recently surfaced image has unveiled a lesser-known side of the renowned Gordon Ramsay. The photo depicts a young Ramsay donning a Rangers strip, poised to partake in a game for the Scottish club. Ramsay is widely recognized as a passionate soccer enthusiast, but many didn’t know he was this close to professional soccer.

Gordon Ramsay Was a Soccer Trialist

Gordon Ramsay has been spotted participating in many charity matches like Soccer Aid, but the recently surfaced image shows that he was close to a promising soccer career before he shifted gears toward the culinary world. Hailing from Johnstone, Ramsay’s fondness for the original Rangers club sprouted during his youth, attending matches alongside his uncle Roland. However, at the age of 10, his family relocated to England, bidding farewell to Scotland.

Ramsay’s exceptional skills on the field did not go unnoticed, leading him to be picked up by Oxford United. By a stroke of luck, a Rangers scout observed Ramsay’s talent during a match, prompting the family’s return to Scotland a mere five years after their departure.

Reflecting on his playing style, Gordon Ramsay shared in an interview that he did very well and was a naturally aggressive left-back and tackler. He described his speed and compared himself to the likes of Stuart Pearce. Ramsay’s father, a devoted Rangers fan, was immensely proud of his son’s achievements. Ramsay admitted that the journey was fraught with hardship and anxiety and said he was petrified most of the time. He added that the games were really violent, unlike soccer nowadays.

Ramsay Left Soccer After an Injury

For good or bad, Ramsay’s aspirations were derailed by a knee ligament injury, marking the end of his soccer career. The recently resurfaced picture captures Gordon Ramsay during a testimonial match where he was listed as a trialist, representing one of his few appearances in the iconic blue shirt. In 2009, addressing the speculation surrounding his involvement with the first team, a spokesperson clarified that Gordon had always downplayed his soccer past and been clear that he never made it to be a professional.

Nonetheless, Ramsay’s transition away from soccer did not hinder his success. Garnering three Michelin stars throughout his culinary journey, he has traveled the world, hosted numerous acclaimed TV shows both in the United Kingdom and the United States, and firmly established himself as a culinary icon.