Legendary Irish Footballer's Rollercoaster Journey: From Hairdressing to World Cup Glory

The new RTE documentary, "Tony Cascarino: Extra Time," delves into the extraordinary life of the former Irish soccer star. The film follows Cascarino's remarkable journey, from his early days as a hairdresser to his rise to stardom in the Premier League and on the world stage.

Despite his footballing heroics, Cascarino's life has been marked by tumult, often self-inflicted. The documentary explores his marital infidelity, suspected doping and bribery allegations, as well as the painful separation from his children when his ex-wife moved to Tahiti. However, the film also highlights Cascarino's resilience, with biographer Paul Kimmage describing him as "very sensitive, very, very bright" and "one of the best people I've ever met."

Cascarino's career in France, after underwhelming spells at Celtic and Chelsea, was a particular highlight. He became a hero in Marseille, scoring 61 goals in his two seasons with the club. Cascarino credits the team's quality for much of this success, though he also recalls the club's controversial ex-chairman, Bernard Tapie, being present when players were given mystery injections.

The documentary paints a complex portrait of Cascarino, a man who has experienced both the highs and lows of life in the public eye. Despite the challenges he has faced, the film suggests that Cascarino remains a misunderstood figure, one whose story is worth telling.