Gareth Bale’s life after football: Golf, business moves, family time and Wrexham offer
perhaps Wales’ greatest-ever footballer, Gareth Bale announced his retirement from professional football in January 2023 after a glittering career with Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFC and, most importantly to him, his country
A year on from his surprise retirement announcement, Gareth Bale’s new lifestyle and haircut are stealing the spotlight.
On January 9, 2023, the footballing superstar hung up his boots after a stunning 17-year career. As the captain of Wales, he played 111 games and scored 41 goals for his country.
Bale was instrumental in Wales’ run in the Euro 2016, where they were eventually defeated by Portugal in the semi-finals. He also led his team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, their first since 1968. His accomplishments for his country, and indeed his clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and LAFC, make him without doubt one of the top sports heroes in Welsh history.
At the time of his retirement, Bale shared a heartfelt statement with his fans: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”
Bale wrapped up his illustrious football career with LAFC in MLS, playing 12 matches and scoring twice, including a decisive goal in the 128th minute to clinch the MLS Cup title.
Just over a year later, we look at how one of Wales’ best-ever sportsmen has been enjoying his retirement and what he’s been up to.
All the golf
We all know about the 34 year-old’s passion for golf, and he’s been making the most of his free time by participating in tournaments around the world.
Just a few weeks after retiring from football, he took part in a Pro-Am tournament at Pebble Beach. He teamed up with pro golfer Justin Rose and they finished in an impressive joint-16th place.
He also showed up at the Ryder Cup in September and added another trophy to his collection. He won the Ryder Cup All-Star match alongside tennis star Novak Djokovic and pro golfer Colin Montgomerie.
Bale partnered with Montgomerie in a seven-hole event and beat the team of pro Corey Pavin and ex-footballer Andriy Shevchenko 2-1.
Formula One driver Carlos Sainz also played in the game. After the match, Bale posted on Instagram : “privileged to play in the All Star match today at @therydercup. Incredible people, special day and a new trophy for the collection!
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Six months after his decision to retire, Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney tried to convince the former Real Madrid man to change his mind and give the north Wales side “one more year”. A playful exchange played out on social media between the parties before Bale’s agent stopped the conversation in its tracks.
Jonathan Barnett told Sky Sports: “He’s flattered by the offers, but they’re all tongue-in-cheek. He’s having a great life at the moment and [it is] well-deserved, he’s been the best British footballer probably ever.”
“He’s now having a well-deserved rest. They [Reynolds and McElhenney] haven’t actually spoken to me, they may have spoken to Gareth but Gareth doesn’t want to play football anymore. He’s had a great career and he’s enjoyed himself, but he’s having a great life now
