The 35 year old is now said to be leading a consortium that attempted to buy the Bluebirds, his hometown club, having sent a letter of intent to owner Vincent Tan last month.

The proposal ended up being rejected, but Bale’s interest in Cardiff remains strong, while The Athletic reports that he is not pursuing Plymouth Argyle, despite John Percy stating he was earlier this week.

Bale, who retired in January 2023 after playing for LAFC post-Real Madrid, follows other high-profile athletes like Luka Modric, Tom Brady, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas in seeking ownership in English football clubs.

Cardiff, relegated to the third tier for the first time since 2003, recently appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as head coach after sacking Omer Riza and a brief interim stint by Aaron Ramsey.

🚨 EXCL: Consortium led by Gareth Bale has made approach to buy Cardiff City. 35yo’s group sent letter of intent with financial numbers to #CCFC ownership last month. Proposal rejected but desire remains strong + no Plymouth Argyle interest @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/OobojojTkS

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 20, 2025

On Monday 16th, the Telegraph said that Gareth Bale held talks to purchase shares in Plymouth Argyle, that discussions were ongoing.

The group includes the American Storch family. They were supposedly looking for full control of the club.

It was claimed that the takeover bid was being backed by existing shareholders for the upcoming season, matching the funding planned with the failed investor.

On Thursday 19th, Plymouth CEO Andrew Parkinson spoke about the Gareth Bale takeover reports, and while Argyle chairman Simon Hallett is looking for new investment, Andrew Parkinson described Bale’s supposed interest as just pure speculation, adding that the club isn’t ready to discuss specific investors and emphasised finding the right long-term investors, with current shareholders committed to funding the club for the 2025/26 season.

But now, The Athletic’s David Ornstein have said that “Bale’s group sent a letter of intent to Cardiff owner Vincent Tan last month, which expressed their desire to purchase the Welshman’s hometown club and included financial numbers.

“The proposal was rejected but interest from the former Real Madrid winger in Cardiff remains strong — whereas he is not in the frame to acquire Plymouth Argyle, despite recent reports. Cardiff declined to comment.”

Plymouth CEO talks Gareth Bale takeover reports and Tom Cleverley gets message from Wayne Rooney

Gareth Bale holds talks to purchase shares in a Football League club

: Ofcourse it was to good to be true!! I mean it’s pretty hard to get Plymouth and Cardiff mixed up!! 🙄⚽️💚 #pafc

: Gareth Bale and the billionaire investment is a no go and Randell all leaving within 10 minutes of each other. Happy fucking Friday, Greens. #pafc

: Tan sell the fucking club!

: Where’s all the “no one would buy Cardiff” c*nts gone now?! This board need removing, no excuses

: Viva Gareth Bale, viva Gareth Baaaale, said he had a bad back, and he hates the jacks, viva Gareth Baaaaale

: Randall leaves for City and Bale rumours were absolute bullshit 🙂🙂🙂👍🏽 #pafc

: Never change Argyle 😂😂😂 fucking hell. #pafc

: Until our chairman realises. That no one will invest and let him still have total control. There will not be any significant investment. Remember he’s happy for us to be a Championship/League 1 yo-yo club. #pafc

: can’t wait until the end of this season 🔫🤣 #pafc

: Randell gone ,no investment but not to worry, we’ll sign a 3 goal a season striker later on a free. #pafc

: Please god let Tan make at least one good decision in his tenure. Time to go.

: Randell off and no investment 😢 Argyle has a way of kicking you in the nads like no other. Also if there’s been NO interest why didn’t Parkinson say so yesterday instead of being cryptic? Maybe to keep us optimistic while another asset is sold way below market value? 🤔 #pafc

: Hahahahahahaha. Don’t show them down west ffs. They’ll combust 🤣🤣🤣

: Probably a load of bull but it would be nice to have him

: What a couple of minutes for argyle! Adam randell leaves for Bristol City. It’s revealed that the telegraph completely mislead when they reported us in talks for a consortium worth lots of millions, and bale is buying a league one rival. Bundu next? #pafc #ccfc #bcfc

: Bale and this group acquiring the club would be exactly what we need before the new season. Allows a new board to be formed (thank god) and for us to really start new under BBM. Tan needs to put his ego aside and sit down to work out a deal to sell. Viva Gareth Bale 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@CF11_News: Fingers crossed Bale and co keep pressing tan and give a second/third approach. We need this to happen. Now is the time