Gareth Bale has been announced as TNT Sports’ newest punditry acquisition ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Welsh legend stepping into Rio Ferdinand’s shoes
Gareth Bale has never been one to shy away from a bit of banter, and his cheeky swipe at Manchester United earlier this year left Rio Ferdinand visibly rattled. The incident, which took place during TNT Sports’ coverage of Tottenham’s win over United in the Europa League final back in May, has taken on new significance now that Bale has officially replaced Ferdinand as a pundit on the broadcaster’s Premier League panel.
Back in Bilbao’s San Mames stadium, Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a fortuitous Brennan Johnson goal. Bale, who won the PFA Player of the Year twice while at Spurs, was on punditry duty and couldn’t resist a dig at United’s expense.
Commenting on Tottenham’s social media post poking fun at the term ‘Spursy’ – often used to describe their historical tendency to falter in big games – Bale flipped the script. “It could be a Unitedy thing now, I’m telling you!” he quipped with a grin, suggesting the Red Devils had inherited the unwanted label of underperforming in crucial moments.
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The remark left Ferdinand, a United icon, squirming. “Can we get off air now?” he reportedly muttered, clearly unimpressed by Bale’s jab.
The exchange was a light-hearted moment for viewers and offers a window into the charisma and quick wit that may have drawn TNT Sports to the 36-year-old.
The broadcaster officially announced Bale’s appointment on Monday, along with four other newcomers: ex-West Ham star Michail Antonio, former Lionesses Fara Williams and Anita Asante, and ex-Scotland women’s ace Jen Beattie.
Bale sticks out as the cream of the crop, with the five-time Champions League-winning Welshman able to bring his global football pedigree to the studio. His illustrious career – which included a legendary eight-year spell at Real Madrid, two stints at Tottenham and a pivotal role in leading Wales to the 2016 Euros semi-finals – gives him unmatched credibility.
Unlike Ferdinand, whose analysis often leaned on his defensive expertise and United-centric perspective, Bale offers a broader lens, shaped by his experiences across top clubs and different countries. His playful jab at United showed he’s unafraid to stir the pot, a trait that could make him a fan favourite in the studio.
Tottenham’s victory and Bale’s subsequent commentary also highlighted his enduring connection to the club. He praised then-manager Ange Postecoglou’s tactics, crediting the Australian for delivering a trophy despite a shaky Premier League campaign.
“I like the football he plays,” Bale said, though he cheekily added that Postecoglou “lacks a bit of a plan B.” Such candidness, paired with his natural charm, suggests Bale will bring a fresh dynamic to TNT Sports.
Ferdinand has been one of their most recognisable faces on TNT during Premier League, Champions League and Europa League matches and has been an ever-present since joining in 2015 under the channel’s previous name BT Sport.
The 46-year-old said he wanted to experience a new chapter and focus on his own YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, as well as his other business interests.
Bale, meanwhile, will join a host of famous names still with the broadcaster, including his former Spurs team-mate Peter Crouch, Chelsea icon Joe Cole, Liverpool greats Michael Owen and Steve McManaman and Scottish legend Ally McCoist.
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