Gareth Bale says secret back injury forced retirement from football
Gareth Bale has revealed a long-standing back injury he suffered as a teenager eventually forced his retirement from football at the age of 33.
The former Real Madrid forward called time on his illustrious career in January 2023.
He hung up his boots shortly after captaining Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, the five-time Champions League winner has now disclosed he played with a torn disc from the age of 18.
The injury, sustained during his time at Tottenham, was kept largely private throughout his playing days.
“I tore my disc in my back when I was 18 at Tottenham,” Bale told the Stick to Football podcast.
“I played my whole career with that.”
Managing chronic pain
Bale explained that the spinal issue was directly responsible for the recurring calf problems that plagued his later years in Spain.
He admitted to keeping the severity of the condition quiet to avoid accusations of making excuses for his fitness record.
The injury required constant management, including spinal injections to reduce inflammation.
It even affected his daily routine, forcing him to stand on his heels while brushing his teeth to protect his calves.
“I had a lot of calf injuries which was due to my back,” he added.
“It was manageable but over time it caught up with me.”
Real Madrid were aware
The ex-Southampton winger became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid in 2013.
He confirmed the Spanish giants were fully aware of his medical history before completing the transfer.
Despite the physical toll, Bale played a pivotal role in the club’s return to European dominance.
Yet, the unpredictability of the injury created significant mental pressure.
“I never knew when it would come,” said Bale.
“I would literally make sure my calves and soleus were bulletproof. But again, if it misfires and it goes, there’s nothing I could do about it.”
Achieving closure
Bale is widely regarded as Wales’ greatest ever footballer.
He broke records for both appearances and goals for the men’s national side, having debuted as a 16-year-old.
After leading his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, his final ambition was to reach a World Cup.
Once he achieved that historic qualification for Qatar, he felt ready to step away.
“I felt like I achieved everything I wanted to,” he said.
“The last thing I did was qualify for a World Cup, which was the one thing that was last on my list.”
Bale also cited a family illness as a contributing factor to his decision to leave the sport.
Since retiring, the 36-year-old has explored business opportunities, including potential investment in his hometown club, Cardiff City.
