He was the first footballer to cross the symbolic bar of 100 million euros in transfers. In Madrid, he received up to 690,000 euros per week. And yet, Gareth Bale, one of the highest paid players of his generation, recently admitted to having been… afraid of bankruptcy. Not because he was leading the way, but because he feared not knowing how to manage after football.
Gareth Bale: “I was afraid of ending up ruined”
In an interview with Front Office Sports, the former Real Madrid winger recounted this silent anguish, far from the clichés of the carefree footballer. “There was always this fear in me, he confided. We often read articles about players ruined after their career, unable to manage their money or organize their lives. »
Aware of the temptation of a lavish lifestyle, the Welshman chose another path: “Many athletes spend lavishly, I have always tried to avoid that. I wondered early on what my life would be like after football. This idea scared me, but it pushed me to anticipate, to diversify my investments. »
A philosophy that he illustrates with a metaphor: “I have always imagined my money as a building supported by several pillars. If one of them collapses, the whole does not collapse. »
Symbol of his successful reconversion, Gareth Bale swapped the lawns of the Bernabéu for the greens, without ever losing his sense of management.
Post-football: entrepreneur and investor
Since retiring in 2023 after a stint at Los Angeles FC, Bale has transformed himself into a businessman. He owns two bars in Cardiff, invests in a Welsh distillery and is involved in the TGL golf league project, founded by Tiger Woods. A long-time golf enthusiast, he even tried to buy his training club, Cardiff City, before current owner Vincent Tan blocked the operation.
According to estimates from WalesOnline, Gareth Bale's personal fortune today is around 120 million pounds (nearly 140 million euros). During his nine seasons in Madrid, he would have pocketed more than 170 million euros in total, according to The Sun. Dizzying sums, but which he never took for granted.
A colossal heritage, a more stable life
Far from the sidelines and full stadiums, the former Real and Tottenham star appears more peaceful today. He was recently seen in the role of TV consultant, notably during the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham for TNT Sports.
Having become an investor, entrepreneur and media man, Gareth Bale finally seems to have found his balance. The one he perhaps never had, even at the height of his Madrid glory.
