He’s long been intrigued by that kind of future—one not unlike David Beckham’s.
Like Bale, Beckham was the face of his national team and could have chosen any post-playing path before becoming a co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami among other ventures.
Did that influence him?
“I think so,” Bale says. He followed how many American athletes transition into business, reading about their moves and listening to their interviews. He also notes that his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric has taken a minority stake in Swansea City.
Plenty of ex-players still opt for coaching, management, or academy roles, he adds, but more are thinking like entrepreneurs. After dedicating so much to one pursuit, business becomes a fresh chapter and a new world. It always appealed to him, but the right opportunity only came after he met John.
That “John” is veteran U.S. investor John Shulman, founder of private equity firm Juggernaut Capital.
Juggernaut, which has about $1bn in capital commitments, had already backed a range of sports ventures—from golf courses and volleyball to “thrill” sports—and spotted openings, particularly in Europe and the UK.
Shulman wanted an “elite, iconic athlete” to help launch a sports-focused investment arm, Juggernaut Diversified Sports, with plans to deploy more than £500m.
After an introduction—and, fittingly, a round of golf—he found his partner.
“Very few people have achieved what Gareth has,” Shulman says. “We’re strong investors, but we didn’t have his mindset, experience, drive, and unique perspective. He’s got the full package. What he did on the pitch, I’ve seen him do—metaphorically—in the boardroom. We’re excited to execute our plans at the right time, in the right place, and in the right way.”