Ryan Giggs Praises Gareth Bale as Wales’ Greatest Player

Ryan Giggs dedicated his entire playing career to Manchester United, spanning from 1990 to 2014. In addition to his club achievements, he earned 64 caps for Wales, managing the national team from 2018 to 2022.

During his tenure as manager, Giggs worked closely with Gareth Bale, witnessing firsthand the impressive form of the celebrated forward. Bale’s illustrious career includes five Champions League titles while at Real Madrid, as well as three La Liga championships with the Spanish club.

Although Wales has produced numerous remarkable talents, including Ian Rush, John Charles, Neville Southall, and Gary Speed, Giggs firmly believes that Bale stands out as the finest player in Welsh history. The 52-year-old asserts that Bale’s contributions to Welsh football warrant his recognition as the greatest player ever to represent the nation.

In discussing Bale’s significance, Giggs expressed to 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, particularly in 2016 and in the lead-up to it, through the goals he scored and their importance.”

Giggs’ comments reflect their respective international careers. While he was often seen as a nearly-man for the national team despite his club successes, Bale played a crucial role in guiding Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Moreover, Giggs believes that Bale’s impact transcends statistics and accolades, arguing that the 36-year-old has fundamentally transformed the culture of Welsh football. “Now, nearly a decade later, we see many young players within the system, who might have chosen to play for England, opting for Wales because of Gareth’s influence and the legacy he left. For impact, it’s definitely Gareth, considering where we were and where we are now,” added Giggs.

While Giggs extended his playing career until the age of 40, retiring in 2014, Bale faced numerous injuries that led to his retirement at 33 after a brief period in MLS with LAFC. Bale disclosed that his father’s illness significantly influenced his retirement decision, 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 realized there’s more to life than just football.”

In contrast, Giggs noted a distinction in their club-level achievements, remarking, “For club, it’s a different conversation because I played from 17 to 40 and had longevity. However, at the international level, Bale’s impact is unparalleled.”

Giggs has not returned to professional management since departing as the Wales manager in 2022, following legal troubles in 2020 related to allegations of controlling behavior and assault, which he has denied. In announcing his resignation, Giggs stated, “After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect. It has been an honor 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 and without speculation surrounding the position of their head coach.”