The former Real Madrid and Wales superstar is in talks to buy his hometown club
Gareth Bale says he wants to buy Cardiff City during the "F1: The Movie" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square
(Image: Getty Images)
Gareth Bale has confirmed he is fronting a consortium interested in buying Cardiff City – with the ultimate goal of taking his hometown club back to the Premier League.
The Wales legend revealed his ambitious plans on the red carpet at the premiere of F1 The Movie, where he spoke publicly for the first time about his bid to take over the Bluebirds.
WalesOnline last week learned that a consortium which included Bale tabled an offer directly to Vincent Tan last week, however that offer was rejected. Since then, sources indicated the timing of Bale's name being put into the public arena suggested another move might well be on the cards.
Bale, who retired from football in early 2023 following a final stint with LAFC, whom he chose after holding talks over a move to Cardiff, insists the group remains hopeful of securing a deal. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
"We are interested in getting Cardiff," Bale said.
"It's my home club, it's where I grew up and my uncle [Chris Pike] used to play for them. To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true.
"It's a club close to my heart. It's where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.
"I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together."
Bale added: "We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future but hopefully we can get something done."
The 35-year-old’s interest in Cardiff comes shortly after his former Real Madrid and Tottenham team-mate Luka Modrić was announced as a co-owner of rivals Swansea.
Bale himself had previously been linked with a potential investment in Plymouth Argyle but that now appears to have been ruled out.
Cardiff, who were recently relegated to League One for the first time since 2003, have just appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as their new head coach.
Bale remains one of the most iconic figures in Welsh football history. He is his country’s most-capped men’s player with 111 appearances and their all-time top goalscorer with 41 goals.
His glittering club career saw him win multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid and inspire Wales to two European Championship finals and a first World Cup since 1958.
Now, the former winger is aiming to make his mark off the pitch — and give something back to the club and the city where it all began. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.