The world's two most expensive players, who line up alongside each other at Real Madrid, will go head to head when Bale's Wales meet Ronaldo's Portugal in their Euro 2016 semi-final in Lyon on Thursday morning (AEST).
In playing terms, both are the
leaders of their teams, but they take very different approaches to their role.
While Bale is widely acclaimed as an
inspiration for his national team, Ronaldo's influence on Portugal is the
subject of debate.
"Cristiano has worked for the
squad and it's only the squad which matters here," said midfielder Andre
Gomes.
"Maybe people were expecting
more goals, [but] he has made a huge contribution to the national team and it's
not the moment to start questioning a player."
Coach Fernando Santos added Ronaldo
has sacrificed himself for the team.
Even so, the 31-year-old three-times
world player of the year has often struggled with an image problem, especially
when he said two years ago that Portugal needed "two or three Cristiano
Ronaldos".
He insists on taking every free kick
within – and often beyond – shooting distance, prompting suggestions he is
selfish, and is regularly captured on television cameras remonstrating angrily
with his teammates.
Earlier in the tournament Ronaldo
threw a reporter's microphone into a lake when he was asked a question during a
team walk, and was criticised for disparaging remarks he made about Iceland
after Portugal drew 1-1 with the rank outsiders in their opening match.
Bale, in comparison, looks relaxed
and is not afraid to stir up some controversy, such as when he said no England
players would get into the Wales side, adding the Welsh were more passionate
than their larger neighbours.
Television images tend to show him
encouraging his teammates rather than gesticulating angrily and complaining.
"They are obviously different
types of people and different characters," said Wales manager Chris
Coleman. "Whatever Bale brings to the table for us, that's him. He's not
manufactured. He doesn't try to be something he's not.
"Gareth is clearly a special
player. For us he is special, not just because of his talent but what he
represents when he plays for Wales.
"He appreciates what he has
around him and they appreciate they have a super talent. It's a good
blend."
Cristiano Ronaldo is immaculately
groomed, makes a point of posing for the cameras when he scores, is often
captured scowling at his colleagues and recently launched his own men's
fragrance called Legacy.
Gareth Bale is constantly encouraging
his teammates and is described by his manager as "the most down-to-earth
boy you could meet".
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