Former Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is reportedly preparing a dramatic return to football, but not on the pitch, raher, in the boardroom. The 35-year-old, who retired in 2023, is leading a consortium bidding to purchase Cardiff City, the club based in his hometown. Bale has submitted an offer exceeding €46 million to acquire the Welsh side, a move that would see him pay less than half of the €99 million Real Madrid shelled out for his services back in 2013. The former Galáctico said, “We’re interested in Cardiff. It’s my hometown club, where I grew up, and my uncle (Chris Pike) played for them,” as quoted by MARCA. Cardiff City, recently relegated to League One, is currently owned by Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan, who is reportedly open to selling. The club has already rejected an undisclosed initial offer from Bale’s consortium, but talks are expected to continue.
Earlier reports stated that Bale’s group had explored acquiring other clubs, including a failed attempt to buy Plymouth Argyle. However, his interest in Cardiff appears deeply personal and long-term. “Being part of an ownership group would be a dream come true,” Bale said. “I’d love to be part of Cardiff’s growth and take it to the Premier League, where it deserves to be.”
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If successful, Bale would join a growing list of footballers turning owners, following the likes of David Beckham and Gerard Piqué, as he aims to drive Cardiff’s resurgence from League One back to the top flight.
