Tottenham legend Gareth Bale is preparing to make his first appearance on the pitch since retiring.
A few months ago, it was reported that Tottenham legend Gareth Bale was exploring a return to football by looking to acquire his hometown club, Cardiff City.
While those talks are still ongoing, Bale is now preparing for a much more immediate comeback, as he is set to feature in an exhibition match—his first appearance on the pitch since retiring.
The 36-year-old Welshman, who had a decorated career with Tottenham and Real Madrid, retired in January 2023 after leading Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years, ending his playing career on a high.
According to Football.London, Bale is now set to return to action just two years after stepping away from the game. He will play for FC Spear against Shield United at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on 13 September.
Bale, widely considered one of the standout signings of the Daniel Levy era at Spurs, will be joined by a star-studded cast including Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, and Kaka. They will face off against Shield United, a team featuring legendary defenders such as Alessandro Nesta, Carles Puyol, Nemanja Vidic, and Rio Ferdinand.
Bale’s involvement in football this season is set to continue beyond the match, as he is also expected to serve as a Champions League pundit for TNT Sports, coinciding with Tottenham’s return to the competition after a two-year absence.
However, Spurs fans might be surprised to see Bale managed by former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who will coach FC Spear. Shield United, meanwhile, will be led by Rafa Benitez—the same manager who guided them to a 4-1 win in last year’s Icons Match.
FC Spear squad:
Bum Young Lee, Gianluigi Buffon, Ja Cheol Koo, Ki Hyon Seol, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Clarence Seedorf, Eden Hazard, Franck Ribery, Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Ji Sung Park, Didier Drogba
Coach: Arsene Wenger
Shield United squad:
Young Kwang Kim, Iker Casillas, Alessandro Nesta, Michael Carrick, Claudio Marchisio, Gilberto Silva, Joo Ho Park, Sol Campbell, Claude Makelele, Ashley Cole, Maicon, John Arne Riise, Nemanja Vidic, Carles Puyol, Young Pyo Lee, Rio Ferdinand
Coach: Rafa Benitez
How to watch FC Spear vs Shield United:
Although tickets are sold out, fans worldwide can stream the match via FC Mobile’s in-game broadcast channel. Additionally, FC Mobile and FC Online will feature special in-game events tied to the Icons Match, giving global fans the chance to experience Bale’s highly anticipated return.
