Gareth Bale’s free kick leaves Ryan Giggs reeling in awe during Wales session

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Ryan Giggs, a Manchester United legend, found himself taken aback by Gareth Bale’s extraordinary free-kick skills during a Wales training session. Bale, who began his international career in 2006 as a left-back before rising to stardom with Tottenham Hotspur, later secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he amassed 19 trophies, including five Champions League titles.

Giggs recounted a vivid memory from their time together before Bale’s move to Spain, describing how the young winger’s confidence and talent on the training ground left him both confused and deeply impressed.Appearing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Giggs sat alongside his former teammate, recalling the first time he truly witnessed Bale’s ability up close.

Ferdinand prompted the memory, saying, “I remember the first time you came back from international duty. You came back and I think you were just amazed,” before asking Giggs about Bale’s impact in training, to which Giggs replied, “We were at the end of training and I think I was just lining up free kicks. I was ready to take it, and he just went over and picked the ball up. ‘What are you doing?’ What are you doing, mate?’ And then he put it in the top corner. [Now] I understand.”

Giggs went on to call Bale “the best Welsh player ever,” highlighting his contributions to the national team and his dominant spell at Real Madrid, saying, “Without a shadow of a doubt. For what he did for the country. And obviously, going on what he did at Real Madrid, he was unplayable for four or five years.”

Reflecting on his own time managing Wales, Giggs recalled his first game in charge, which took place in China, where Bale scored a hat-trick in the first half, leaving Giggs in awe of his strength and presence on the pitch, noting, “He just looked bigger and stronger than everyone else on the pitch. Just bullied [players]. Just shrugging players off.”

When asked about what set Bale apart from his peers, Giggs pointed to his physical conditioning and tactical intelligence, saying, “Well, he looked after himself. He was fit. Tactically, really intelligent. I was asking him to do things, and he got it straight away. Some players you have to tell them again, and you have to show them on the pitch, then you have to show clips. He got it straight away.” The full interview with Ryan Giggs can be heard on Apple Podcasts and Spotify from 6am, Friday 25th April.