Gareth Bale Reveals Back Disc Tear He Kept Secret Throughout His Career

He says the long-term injury triggered recurring calf problems, ultimately influencing his decision to retire in 2023.

Overview

Bale disclosed on the Stick to Football podcast that he tore a back disc at 18 while at Tottenham and played his entire career with the issue.
He linked frequent calf injuries to the back problem and said he managed flare-ups with treatments, including injections, and strict daily precautions.
He said Real Madrid were aware of the condition when they signed him for a then-world-record fee in 2013.
The former Wales captain retired at 33 shortly after the 2022 World Cup, citing the chronic injury and a family illness as factors.
Since retiring, he has explored club ownership and was part of a group that showed interest in buying Cardiff City last summer, though the approach did not progress.