A handful of former Tottenham players have gone on to lift the UEFA Champions League after leaving N17—a painful reminder of what could have been for the club. Gareth Bale leads that list, having hoisted the trophy five times with Real Madrid—an almost unimaginable feat for most professionals. While Spurs have boasted some elite talents through the years, few have matched the success or silverware of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.
However, former Spurs striker Darren Bent has sparked debate by claiming that one of his former teammates at Tottenham was actually a better player than Giggs. It’s a bold statement, considering Giggs’ legendary status, but Bent insists the individual brilliance he witnessed at Spurs rivaled, and perhaps even surpassed, the Welshman’s influence.
Bale’s journey at Tottenham is the stuff of legends. Arriving as a promising but raw left-back, he faced early skepticism over whether he could truly cut it at the top level. Yet Spurs showed faith—and Bale repaid them in full. His transformation from a struggling full-back into a devastating winger was meteoric, lighting up White Hart Lane with blistering pace, thunderous strikes, and unforgettable moments.
By the time he sealed his then-world-record move to Real Madrid in 2013, Bale had etched his name into Tottenham folklore. In Spain, he elevated his game further, becoming a key figure among the Galácticos and winning countless trophies, including five Champions League titles. His rise from uncertain beginnings in North London to global stardom is a testament to raw talent, relentless drive, and a club that gave him the stage to shine.
Bent believes Bale has surpassed Giggs on English soil
Darren Bent stirred debate with his bold take on talkSPORT, claiming Gareth Bale deserves to be ranked higher than Ryan Giggs in Premier League history. While acknowledging Giggs’ unrivaled longevity and massive trophy haul at Manchester United, Bent argued that Bale’s peak simply soared to greater heights.
He pointed to Bale’s two PFA Player of the Year awards, earned during his explosive spell at Tottenham—as evidence of the Welshman’s individual brilliance. In contrast, Giggs, despite winning the same award at the age of 37, saw that decision questioned by many. For Bent, Bale’s sheer dominance, electric performances, and ability to change games single-handedly made his peak more impactful, even if Giggs had the longer and more decorated career.
“I would have Bale above Giggs. I know people are going to talk about longevity and trophies.”
“But, if you’re talking about the peak of their powers, I didn’t see Giggs reach the same levels that Bale reached.”
“Giggs won the PFA Player of the Year later on, I think he was like 37, and there are question marks around him winning that. Bale won two.”
