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Gareth Bale Real Madrid
Chris Burton

'Nothing Bale does is worth €100 million' - Real Madrid star savaged by Valdano

Real Madrid
LaLiga

With the Wales international struggling to recapture his best form, a former Blancos striker and manager has torn into the fee paid for his services

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Gareth Bale has been slammed by former Real Madrid player and coach Jorge Valdano, with the Welshman told “nothing he does is worth €100 million”.

The Blancos invested a then record-breaking transfer fee in the Wales international forward back in 2013.

Bale is closing in on 200 appearances for the club and has helped them to La Liga, Copa del Rey and Club World Cup triumphs, along with three Champions League crowns.

He has, however, struggled for form and fitness at various stages throughout his time in Spain and his value has now been questioned by a man who has filled roles at Santiago Bernabeu ranging from goal-getting frontman to sporting director.

Valdano told El Transistor: “Nothing Bale does is worth 100 million euros, and that’s the price tag he carries around on his shirt.”

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LaLiga

01 Nov 2026

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Bale did provide an assist on his latest outing for Real, in a 1-1 draw with cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid, but the man on the end of that chance has generated more support.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 40th goal of another stunning season on derby day, with the Portuguese superstar once again providing the inspiration in what has been a testing season for Zinedine Zidane’s side.

“[During the derby] Cristiano looked very comfortable physically. He played all across the attack and he is enjoying a great period of confidence,” said Valdano.

“His duel with Leo Messi to be the best player in the world lacks nothing. It’s Real Madrid against Barcelona and Europe against South America. It’s a battle between two geniuses.”

Gareth Bale not worth 100m Jorge Valdano

While Ronaldo was on target for Real, Atletico saw their own talisman offer an almost immediate response to secure a share of the spoils.

Antoine Griezmann took his tally for the season to 25 by breaching Real’s defence, with a man being heavily linked with a summer move to Barcelona highlighting once again why he is so sought-after.

Valdano said of the France international, who will see his release clause drop to €100m this summer: “Griezmann is the best striker, a good midfielder and he contributes a lot in defence.

“With the market the way it is, he is cheap at the price.”

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