Gareth Bale's Real Madrid Career: Underrated Greatness

The Arrival: A Record-Breaking Welshman Lands in Madrid

Back in 2013, Gareth Bale swapped the rainy streets of London for the sun-soaked Bernabéu, becoming the most expensive footballer in history (€100M, no big deal). Expectations? Sky-high. Hairline? Still intact. The pressure was on, but Bale didn’t just meet expectations, he sprinted past them, literally.

The Moments That Made Bale a Madrid Legend

Let’s set the record straight Gareth Bale was not a flop. In fact, his Real Madrid highlight reel is the stuff of football dreams. Here’s why:

1. That Copa del Rey Goal (2014) – The Sprint Heard Around the World

Bale vs. Marc Bartra. A race no one expected to be fair. Bartra had a five-yard head start, Bale just had… Bale speed. One moment, he was out of bounds running alongside the pitch, the next, he was celebrating in front of a stunned Barcelona crowd. Goal. Title. Football heritage.

2. Champions League Final Bicycle Kick (2018) – Pure Cinema

Forget bicycle kicks, this was a jetpack kick. With the Champions League final against Liverpool locked at 1-1, Bale defied gravity, meeting Marcelo’s cross with a perfectly executed overhead kick that left Karius and the football world in disbelief. It was so good that even Cristiano Ronaldo did that nod of approval. Iconic.

3. Decisive Goals in Four Champions League Finals

Name another player who has scored in multiple Champions League finals. Go on, we’ll wait. Bale was instrumental in Madrid’s era of dominance, scoring crucial goals that secured four UCL titles.

So Why the Criticism?

Let’s be honest. Bale had his issues. Injuries, golf jokes, and that infamous "Wales. Golf. Madrid." flag didn’t help his case. But here’s the reality:

• He delivered when it mattered most.

• He was never truly embraced by Madrid’s tough crowd (looking at you, Spanish media 👀).

• 29 trophies. 106 goals. 67 assists. Yeah, that’s “flop” numbers, right? (Hint: No, it’s not.)

Bale’s Legacy: A True Madrid Great

Time will be kind to Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid career. His goals, moments, and silverware speak louder than the critics. He wasn’t just a Galáctico... He was the fastest, most clutch, and arguably one of the most underrated stars in Madrid’s history.

So the next time someone disrespects Bale’s time in Madrid, just remind them: he won more Champions Leagues than most football clubs. Mic drop.