Bale's Tribute to Giggs: The Greatest Teammate

June 25, 2024
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from
Gareth Bale stands tall as arguably the greatest British footballer of the 21st century. The Welsh wizard forged his legacy at Tottenham Hotspur, delivering one of the most memorable individual seasons in Premier League history in 2012-13, netting 21 goals in just 31 games. This spectacular form earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he clinched the Champions League title four times—an achievement unmatched by any other British player. Among his many memorable moments, Bale scored one of the tournament's finest goals in the 2019 final against Liverpool.
 
On the international stage, Bale was a trailblazer, starring for Wales during their dream run to the EURO 2016 semi-finals and helping his country reach the World Cup in 2022 after a 64-year absence. Throughout his illustrious career, Bale shared the pitch with some of the modern era's greatest players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, and Harry Kane. Yet, when it comes to his greatest-ever teammate, Bale chose a fellow Welshman.
 
Despite a trophy-laden stint at Real Madrid, where he scored 106 goals in 258 appearances, the Premier League legend regards his greatest-ever teammate as someone he played alongside in the Welsh national team. Reflecting on his career, Bale is most star-struck by fellow Welsh winger, Ryan Giggs. Speaking to Foot Locker, Bale said:
 
"For me, the greatest player is Ryan Giggs. He was my hero growing up and is a legend in world football. It also helps he's a fellow Welshman."
 
Giggs' admiration for Bale is mutual. The two played three international games together in 2007, a transitional period for the Welsh national team. Giggs, in hindsight, passed the mantle of national expectations to Bale, who is 16 years his junior. Before Bale's 2008 transfer to Tottenham, Giggs remarked:
 
"My advice for Gareth is to just carry on with what he is doing; that is why clubs have been interested in him. He has talent and a good temperament. He should not have any problems. If he carries on doing what he has been doing at Southampton, he won't go far wrong."
  • Related keywords: Wales, Ryan Giggs, Gareth Bale, Cymru