Soccer

Gareth Bale throws shade at former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo by naming Messi Champions League GOAT

During their tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bale and Ronaldo were teammates for five seasons. However, apparently the Welshman is quick to forget that as he picked Lionel Messi as the greatest player to win the UEFA Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Lionel Messi
Ā© Clive Rose, Michael Steele & Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Lionel Messi

For a whole five seasons, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo played together for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Along with Karim Benzema, they formed the famed ā€˜BBC’ trio that dominated European soccer.

During their time together on the field, the three players created many unforgettable memories. Together, they were victorious in four Champions League tournaments and one La Liga championship during that period.

Not that it mattered much to the Welshman. When asked who he thought was the finest player in the UEFA Champions League, the 33-year-old former winger made no bones about picking Lionel Messi above his former colleague.

Advertisement

Watch: Gareth Bale chooses Lionel Messi as best player to win UEFA Champions League

During a recent interview with PlayStation, Gareth Bale was asked to name the best player who has won the Champions League. Surprisingly, he did not choose any of his former teammates but instead selected Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who has achieved the remarkable feat of winning the competition four times.

Tweet placeholder
Advertisement

Given that he paused for some time before responding, it’s safe to assume that more than one possibility crossed his mind. His response, though, reveals without a doubt his pick for the finest-ever recipient of the prestigious prize.

Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? ChatGPT gives best possible response to debate over soccer's GOAT

see also

The ex-Real Madrid star has also made it clear that he prefers the Argentine’s left foot over the Portuguese’s right: ā€œBoth are good, to be honest, but I’d go with Messi’s left.ā€

Advertisement
Tweet placeholder
ALSO READ
Cristiano Ronaldo issues strong warning to Al Nassr rivals after starting 2026 with two losses
Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo issues strong warning to Al Nassr rivals after starting 2026 with two losses

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty goal not enough vs Al Qadisiya as Al Nassr extend poor start to 2026
Soccer

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty goal not enough vs Al Qadisiya as Al Nassr extend poor start to 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo could lose Al Nassr teammate to the Premier League
Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo could lose Al Nassr teammate to the Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate set to join Barcelona ahead of 2026 World Cup
Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate set to join Barcelona ahead of 2026 World Cup

Better Collective Logo