Gareth Bale

Club career

Bale began his senior career at Southampton, making his debut in 2006. He joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2007, initially as a left-back, before establishing himself as an attacking player. His performances in 2012/13 earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year awards.

In 2013, Bale joined Real Madrid. He scored 106 goals in 258 appearances and won five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey. His goals included a celebrated overhead kick in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool. He returned to Tottenham on loan for 2020/21, then finished his club career at LAFC, scoring a late equaliser in the 2022 MLS Cup final before his team won on penalties.

International career

Bale made his Wales debut in 2006 and became the country’s record appearance-holder and leading goalscorer, with 111 caps and 41 goals. As captain, he helped Wales reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance at the tournament since 1958. He scored Wales’ goal in their 1–1 draw with the United States at the finals.

Playing style and legacy

Bale developed from a left-back into one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players. His speed, strength and left-footed shooting made him a threat from wide positions and on the counter-attack. He is remembered for his success with Real Madrid and for leading Wales through the most successful period in the national team’s modern history.