For many years, the question of who is the greatest footballer to ever play for Wales has sparked endless debate. While legendary figures such as John Charles, Ian Rush and Mark Hughes have long-standing loyal followings, the modern debate has increasingly narrowed down to a head-to-head showdown between two iconic left-footed wizards, Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale.
One is synonymous with Manchester United and an icon of a club that dominated the Premier League during its best two decades. The other was Galactico, who transformed Wales from international obscurity into genuine contenders. However, Giggs himself has now effectively put an end to the debate, admitting that Bale sits firmly at the top of the throne in the context of the national team. Giggs, who recently reflected on how his career should be judged, was quick to accept that Bale’s influence on Welsh football trumps all others. The former Wales manager acknowledged the country’s rich football history, but left no doubt as to who he believed was number one.
“I think there are a lot of fans who don’t just talk about me and Gareth,” Giggs told Wales Online. “Players like Ian Rush and Neville Southall were world class at their peak.
“Personally, I think Gareth has made the biggest contribution to Welsh football in terms of what he achieved in 2016 and what led up to it, the goals he scored, the importance of those goals and the way he approached them.”
Giggs’ comments are very much in line with the contrasting nature of their international journeys. He shone at Old Trafford, collecting 13 medals in the Premier League, but his career in Wales was defined by a number of heartbreaks and he missed out on qualifying for major tournaments.
Bale, in comparison, has emerged as a representative of a historic era, highlighted by an extraordinary run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals. In Giggs’ view, Bale’s true importance goes beyond statistics.
He believes Bale has left a deep mark on the development of young players with dual nationality, helping to reshape Welsh football culture and motivating them to choose Wales over England.
“Now, almost 10 years later, there are a number of young players in the system who have chosen Wales because of Gareth’s achievements and the legacy he has left, and who could have the option of playing for England,” Giggs explained. “So in terms of impact, given where we were and where we are now, it’s definitely Gareth.”
However, Giggs made a distinction when discussing his career at the club, highlighting his sustained excellence at elite level as a key difference compared to Bale, who had a brief peak abroad at Real Madrid.
Giggs adapted to his role and continued playing into his 40s, while Bale left at the age of 33 after a trophy-winning but injury-interrupted spell at Madrid and a final chapter in Los Angeles. “For the club it’s a different story because I played from 17 to 40 and lived a long life,” Giggs added. “But I think for Wales and for the impact he’s had on Welsh football, it has to be Gareth.”
It’s an unusual concession from a man often described as the most successful English footballer of all time. By openly following Bale, Giggs will reinforce what the Red Wall has believed since that unforgettable summer in France. Giggs was undoubtedly world-class, but it was Bale who ultimately led Wales to the promised land.
