Gareth Bale will be part of the Reignwood Icons of Football, the tournament that brings together football legends and will be held at the end of the month at the Robinswood Club. The former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur player, a legend of the Wales National Team, will compete with the well-known Team World against Team England in a match play duel with a format inspired by the Ryder Cup.
“I have always followed and admired the Icons Series and knew I would end up being part of it,” explained Bale after confirming his participation. “The players are committed, the competition is intense, and I am eager to contribute to achieving victory. Team World is forming a very strong unit, and it will be special to compete against some of the Team England guys I have faced over the years.”
Since retiring from football in 2023, Bale has dedicated a lot of time to perfecting his game and is now a scratch golfer, a condition that explains the excitement his presence in Bangkok generates. Even so, the Welshman rules out turning professional. In an interview last year, he made it clear that his place is in the amateur realm: “Everyone asks me if I am going to turn professional, and that is not going to happen. I am scratch, yes, but those on the tour are plus eight or more. I fully understand how good they are and how they perform under pressure. I am very happy playing amateur tournaments and having fun.”
In Team World, Bale will be accompanied by a cast of international football legends such as Gabriel Batistuta, Luis Figo, Ryan Giggs, David Ginola, Ruud Gullit or Gianfranco Zola.
The rivalry will be reignited against a Team England equally full of illustrious names and with great golfing skill, including Joe Hart, John Terry, Michael Carrick, Robbie Fowler, Paul Ince, Theo Walcott and Teddy Sheringham.
The event will be played under a 10-hole match play format, following the competitive spirit of the Ryder Cup, and promises to attract a lot of attention, especially due to Bale‘s skill with the clubs and his growing prominence in amateur golf.
