Gareth Bale stuns Rio Ferdinand with his 2025 Ballon d'Or prediction and Liverpool fans can't believe it

Gareth Bale left Rio Ferdinand stunned with his predictions for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

Bale, 35, was part of the TNT Sports’ broadcast team for Wednesday’s Champions League clash between Liverpool and his former club, Real Madrid, which the Merseyside-based side won 2-0 to retain their perfect record in the competition this season.

The Welshman is no stranger to European competition, having won five Champions League crowns with Madrid – scoring in two finals against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid.

As well as being part of the TV coverage, a video of Bale emerged on ‘Football on TNT Sports’ social media, where he was asked various questions by Ferdinand.

The former England centre-back prompted Bale to give his predictions for the rest of the season.

Ferdinand started by telling Bale to “predict who wins the UEFA Champions League this season”.

Bale replied: “Real Madrid.”

Next, the former United man asked Bale: “Who wins the UEFA Champions League Golden Boot this season?”

Bale went for former Spurs teammate Harry Kane.

Ferdinand continued: “Who wins the Premier League this season?”

To which the former Southampton man answered: “Liverpool.”

Then Ferdinand asked Bale who would win the Premier League Golden Boot before Bale picked Erling Haaland.

The former Wales international answered “Real Madrid” when asked who would win La Liga.

Before revealing he is backing Robert Lewandowski to win the La Liga Golden Boot this season.

But it was Bale’s answer to Rio’s final question that left him baffled.

The former West Ham and Leeds defender asked: “Who wins the next Ballon d’Or?”

But Bale’s answer was relatively surprising based on the current form of players in Europe.

“[Kylian] Mbappe,” he explained to the bemusement of Ferdinand, who reacted by saying “Wow”.

Although Mbappé winning the coveted award would not be the wildest of predictions given his current form, having seen his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher on Wednesday evening, it may come as a slight surprise.

Fans were quick to give their take on social media.

One said: “More chance of me winning that Ballon d'Or than Mbappé even threatening to win it currently.”

Another added: “This guy never watched Mbappe at Real lol.”

While a third explained: “This one has lost his football knowledge.”