GARETH BALE: “I was always afraid of thinking that, once I retired, I would stop receiving a paycheck.”
“I read many articles about athletes who, after finishing their careers, ended up bankrupt. Not because they didn’t earn enough, but because they never learned how to manage their money. That idea scared me from a young age. So I decided to stay grounded, without depending on my weekly salary.
From very early on I started investing, diversifying. I pictured my money like a building supported by pillars: if one fell, the rest would still stand. I didn’t want my future to depend on a single source of income or on momentary fame.
Today, looking back, I’m glad I did it. Because when the stadiums fall silent and no one is waiting for you at training anymore, life tests you in a different way.”