Ryan Giggs' Praise for Gareth Bale: A Tribute to Wales' Greatest Footballer
Ryan Giggs, despite his illustrious career at Manchester United, has named Gareth Bale as the greatest-ever Welsh footballer. Giggs' admiration for Bale's impact on Welsh football goes beyond trophies and statistics. Let's delve deeper into Giggs' perspective and Bales' legacy.
Ryan Giggs has named Gareth Bale as his country's greatest-ever player despite his impressive trophy haul for Manchester United. Giggs won 13 Premier League titles during a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford, which included four FA Cup triumphs and two Champions League successes. Even so, the Welshman believes that Bale is the best player to have ever played for Wales.Giggs spent the entirety of his playing career with Manchester United, which ran from 1990 to 2014. The former winger also won 64 caps for Wales, who he managed for four years between 2018 and 2022.During his time in charge of the Dragons, Giggs managed Bale, witnessing his form up close and personal. Bale himself enjoyed a glittering playing career, which included five Champions League triumphs during his time with Real Madrid, while the former Spurs man also won La Liga three times with the Spanish giants.And while Wales has produced a number of impressive talents in their history, including Ian Rush, John Charles, Neville Southall and Gary Speed, Giggs believes that Bale is the best of an incredibly talented bunch. The 52-year-old feels that everything Bale has done for Welsh football means the attacker should be considered Wales' greatest-ever player.In the context of the national team, Giggs conceded that Bale deserves the crown of the best ever for his nation, telling Wales Online: "I think there'll be a lot of fans who wouldn't just talk about me and Gareth. The likes of Ian Rush and Neville Southall were also world-class at their peak."Personally, I think Gareth has done the most for Welsh football regarding what he did in 2016 or the lead-up to it, the goals that he scored, the importance of the goals, the way that he did it."Giggs' comments align closely with their respective international journeys. While the former was so often viewed as a nearly-man for the Dragons having excelled at club level, Bale was pivotal as Wales made it to the semi-finals at Euro 2016.Giggs believes that Bale's true significance extends beyond stats and silverware as the former United man believes the 36-year-old reshaped the culture of Welsh football."Now, nearly 10 years later, you're seeing so many young players within the system who also potentially have the choice to play for England, choosing Wales because of what Gareth did and the legacy that he left. So, for impact, it's definitely Gareth because of where we were and where we are now," Giggs added.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Giggs, though, adapted his role to play at the top level for longer having only retired from the game at 2014 at the age of 40. By comparison, Bale endured an injury-hit career that saw him hang up his boots at the age of 33 following a brief stint in MLS with LAFC.Bale did reveal that his father falling ill was what influenced the player to retire, stating: "My dad got ill and that played a massive role in my decision. People don't know what anyone's going through at home but I soon realised there's more to life than just football."The former United winger, meanwhile, believes there is a distinction between both players at club level, adding: "For club, it's a different conversation because I played 17 to 40 and had longevity."Giggs, again, conceded that at international level, that Bale comes up trumps, stating: "But I think for Wales and the impact that he's had on Welsh football, it has to be Gareth."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingGiggs hasn't managed professionally since leaving his role as Wales manager in 2022 having been arrested in 2020. Giggs was charged with controlling behaviour and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, though he has denied the charges."After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men's national team with immediate effect," Giggs said in a statement at the time."It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach."
The Legacy of Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs' career at Manchester United is the stuff of legends. With 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and two Champions League victories under his belt, Giggs is undoubtedly one of the most successful players in English football history. Despite his remarkable achievements at club level, Giggs acknowledges Gareth Bale as Wales' finest export.
Gareth Bale: A Trailblazer for Wales
Gareth Bale's impact on Welsh football transcends his impressive trophy cabinet. The Welsh wizard's contributions, including carrying Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, have reshaped the footballing culture in Wales. Bale's iconic goals and leadership have inspired a new generation of Welsh players to choose their homeland over other international allegiances.
Giggs vs. Bale: Club vs. Country
While Ryan Giggs enjoyed longevity at the top level with Manchester United until the age of 40, Gareth Bale had a career marred by injuries, retiring at 33. Giggs recognizes the distinction between their club careers but emphasizes Bale's unparalleled impact on Welsh football at the international level. Bale's heroics for Wales elevate him to the status of Wales' greatest player in Giggs' eyes.
Off-Field Challenges and Transitions
Both Giggs and Bale faced personal challenges and made tough decisions in their careers. Giggs' managerial stint with Wales came to an abrupt end in 2022 following off-field legal issues. On the other hand, Bale cited his father's illness as a significant factor in his decision to retire. Despite the trials they faced, both players have left an indelible mark on the footballing world.
Looking Ahead
As Ryan Giggs reflects on his career and Gareth Bale's legacy continues to inspire the next generation of Welsh talents, it's clear that both players have played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of Welsh football. While their paths may have diverged in certain aspects, their dedication to the game and the impact they have had on their respective teams are undeniable.





