Gareth Bale: MLS Needs Higher Salaries to Attract Top Talent

Increased funding key to MLS Growth says Gareth Bale

MLS faces challenges in attracting top talent due to lower salaries. Gareth Bale believes MLS would be more attractive with salaries comparable to European leagues.

“Unfortunately, a lot of players come over towards the end of their careers. I did the same...”

Gareth Bale believes that Major League Soccer (MLS) would become more attractive to top talent if salaries for international players were comparable to what they could earn in Europe. The former Real Madrid star enjoyed a successful stint with Los Angeles FC, helping the team win the MLS Cup in 2022. However, he notes that the significant difference in pay between MLS and European leagues makes it challenging for American clubs to lure top players.

Bale earned $2.39 million during his time with LAFC, which is a far cry from the $37 million annual salary of the highest-paid Premier League player, Erling Haaland. He suggests that if MLS could offer more competitive salaries, it would not only attract more top players but also help the league grow faster.

“Unfortunately, a lot of players come over towards the end of their careers. I did the same, but I really loved my time here. I actually wish I came over earlier,” Bale told Front Office Sports. 

“But if you’re getting offered a lot more money in Europe, you’re not really going take less salary to come here and grow the game, unfortunately. We’d all love to do that, but it’s not really viable. It’s a job at the end of the day.

“My time in L.A., I loved it, I loved traveling to those different cities,” Bale added. “They are iconic. Going to New York, playing in L.A., going to Texas. They’re cool places to go to, never mind playing football.”

Major Challenges Facing MLS

• Salary Cap: MLS has a salary cap of $5.95 million per team, with a maximum salary for most players set at $743,750.

• Designated Players: Teams can sign “Designated Players” outside the salary cap, like Lionel Messi, who earns over $20 million annually.

• Revenue Disparity: European clubs regularly spend more on transfer fees for individual players than MLS teams spend on entire rosters.

Gareth Bale's time with LAFC was a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career, marked by a remarkable performance in the 2022 MLS Cup. His late header in extra time sent the match into a penalty shootout, which LAFC ultimately won, securing their first-ever league title. This moment cemented Bale's place in LAFC history, and his contributions to the team will be remembered for years to come.

During his time with LAFC, Bale made 13 appearances and scored three goals, leaving a lasting impact on the club. His goal in the MLS Cup final was his third goal for the club, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. Bale's stint with LAFC may have been brief, but it was undoubtedly memorable.

HE'S GARETH ******* BALE. #ForLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/yqqi67RSdz

— LAFC (@LAFC) November 5, 2022

Bale's Achievements with LAFC

MLS Cup Winner: Bale played a crucial role in LAFC's 2022 MLS Cup win, scoring the equalizing goal in the 128th minute.

Supporters' Shield Winner: LAFC won the Supporters' Shield during Bale's time with the club.

Legacy: Bale's contributions to LAFC have cemented his status as a club legend, and his performances will be remembered for years to come.