Is Bale a Madrid Legend?

By Alice Nichols

Is Gareth Bale a Madrid Legend?

Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 for a then world-record transfer fee of €100.8 million. The Welshman arrived in the Spanish capital as one of the most exciting talents in world football. His impressive performances for Tottenham Hotspur had earned him a reputation as one of the best wingers in Europe, and he was expected to take La Liga by storm.

The Early Years

Bale’s first season at Real Madrid was a success. He scored crucial goals in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals, helping Los Blancos secure their first European Cup in over a decade. He finished the campaign with 22 goals and 16 assists in all competitions.

The following season, Bale continued to impress, scoring important goals against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as Real Madrid won their tenth Champions League title. However, his performances were overshadowed by those of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was enjoying one of the greatest seasons in football history.

The Injury-Plagued Years

Despite his early success at Real Madrid, Bale’s time at the club has been marred by injuries. He has struggled with a series of muscle problems throughout his time in Spain, limiting his playing time and preventing him from reaching his full potential.

During the 2016/17 season, Bale missed nearly four months of action due to an ankle injury. He returned to help Real Madrid win their third Champions League title in four years but was once again overshadowed by Ronaldo’s heroics.

The Final Years

In recent years, Bale’s relationship with Real Madrid has become increasingly strained. He has been criticized by fans and media for his perceived lack of commitment to the club and has been involved in several controversies off the field.

Despite this, Bale has continued to contribute to Real Madrid’s success. He scored two goals in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, including a stunning overhead kick that will go down as one of the greatest goals in the history of the competition.

The Verdict

So, is Gareth Bale a Madrid legend? The answer is complicated.

On one hand, he has been an important player for Real Madrid during his time at the club. He has scored crucial goals in big games and helped Los Blancos win multiple Champions League titles.

On the other hand, his injury problems and off-field controversies have prevented him from reaching his full potential. He has never been able to establish himself as Real Madrid’s main man, due in large part to Ronaldo’s dominance during their time together at the club.

In conclusion, while Gareth Bale may not be considered a Madrid legend in the same way that Ronaldo or Zinedine Zidane are, he has certainly made a significant contribution to Real Madrid’s success over the years. Only time will tell how he will be remembered by fans and historians in years to come.