Gareth Bale faced this question the moment he walked off the pitch after the previous World Cup.

Four years later, the Wales great has settled on his reply to what comes next.

The event in Qatar marked Bale's final games as a professional after accomplishing nearly every target he set for himself.

Although the group-stage exit was not what anyone had hoped for, helping his country reach its first World Cup in 64 years felt like the last major goal achieved.

Never one to seek attention or engage much with the press, Bale could have stepped away quietly and enjoyed the rewards from a club career that included five Champions League titles during nine seasons at Real Madrid.

Yet his drive remains strong.

Bale has joined a US investment group that may place him among the growing number of ex-players who take on club ownership roles.

Once linked with Cardiff City and League One side Plymouth Argyle, the fund has already approached several clubs while considering its options.

Bale's latest aim will require patience, but it deserves serious attention.

"I always planned to explore many different paths," Bale tells BBC Sport Wales.

"I was unsure what I truly wanted after my playing days ended.

"People joke that I would simply play lots of golf, and I certainly will, but I have tried media work, commercial deals and other projects.

"I found them interesting, yet this venture has genuinely motivated me and is the first to spark real ideas about what lies ahead."

A future that has long fascinated him, much like the path taken by David Beckham.

Like Bale, the former England captain served as his country's leading figure and could have chosen many post-career roles, yet he became a co-owner of MLS club Inter Miami through his business activities.

Did that example shape Bale's thinking?

"I believe it did. Many American athletes follow similar routes, and I have read about their experiences and listened to their interviews," Bale says, noting that his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric has taken a minority stake in Swansea City.

"Plenty of players still choose coaching or management, even working with academy youngsters.

"However, more are becoming business-focused. Perhaps because we have achieved so much in one area, this offers a fresh chapter and new challenges.

"It has always appealed to me, but I lacked the chance until I met John."

The John in question is seasoned US investor John Shulman, who founded private equity firm Juggernaut Capital.

The firm manages around $1bn in commitments and has already backed various sports ventures, including golf facilities, volleyball and action sports, yet saw further scope in Europe and the UK.

Shulman sought an elite athlete to help create a dedicated sports investment platform, Juggernaut Diversified Sports, with more than £500m available.

After an introduction and a round of golf, he found the right partner.

"Few people anywhere have achieved what Gareth has," Shulman says.

"We are capable investors, but we needed the mindset, experience and unique viewpoint that Gareth brings.

"He possesses every quality. What he achieved on the pitch, I have seen him deliver in the boardroom in a similar way. I am excited about our plans and doing them correctly."

The strategy covers more than football and includes the women's game.

The first move is expected in US women's professional sport. Shulman describes a strong period for investment there because of rising television and live audiences.

Interest in developing leagues is also noted.

"Logic suggests we should examine football clubs because of Gareth, and we will," Shulman adds, stressing that any purchase would involve a meaningful stake to drive progress.

"Thanks to Gareth, we are already speaking with several clubs.

"We will proceed carefully, as many have tried to acquire teams and believed a famous name alone would transform them."

Bale accepts he will not move straight from striker to chief executive, but hopes his background can support sound business decisions.

"It will not involve clubs like Tottenham, Chelsea or Manchester United," Bale says. "We want a project we can develop."

Could that mean Cardiff, or perhaps nearby League Two club Newport County, which has sought investment?

"We are researching options to identify the right club," Bale says, keen to avoid speculation focused only on Cardiff.

"I would like to be involved with something in Wales, but if it does not work commercially, I cannot force it.

"Emotion does not always guide the best choices, so business sense must prevail."

Bale notes that time will be needed to find the right opportunity, yet his enthusiasm for the next stage is clear.

Given his record of meeting targets on the pitch, the coming chapter could prove compelling to follow.