Gareth Bale facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gareth Bale
MBE

Bale playing for Wales in 2022
Personal information
Date of birth	(1989-07-16) 16 July 1989 (age 35)
Place of birth	Cardiff, Wales
Height	6 feet 1 inch (1.86 m)
Playing position	Right winger, forward
Youth career
	Cardiff Civil Service
1999–2006	Southampton
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2006–2007	Southampton	40	(5)
2007–2013	Tottenham Hotspur	146	(42)
2013–2022	Real Madrid	176	(81)
2020–2021	→ Tottenham Hotspur (loan)	20	(11)
2022–2023	Los Angeles FC	12	(2)
Total		394	(141)
National team
2005–2006	Wales U17	7	(1)
2006	Wales U19	1	(1)
2006–2008	Wales U21	4	(2)
2006–2022	Wales	111	(41)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Gareth Frank Bale (born 16 July 1989) is a Welsh former professional footballer. He played as a right winger for famous clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. He also played for the Wales national team. Many people think he is one of the best players of his time. He is also seen as the greatest Welsh player ever.

Bale started his career at Southampton. He played as a left-back before joining Tottenham in 2007. Around 2009, his coach Harry Redknapp helped him become a winger. In England, he won many awards, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year twice. In 2013, he won both the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player awards. He was only the second player in the Premier League to do this, after Cristiano Ronaldo.

In September 2013, Real Madrid bought Bale for a huge amount of money. It was a world-record transfer fee at the time. He joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to form a powerful attacking trio called BBC. With them, Bale helped Madrid win the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in 2014. He even scored in both finals.

Bale scored an amazing overhead kick goal in the 2018 Champions League final. Many call it one of the best goals in a Champions League final. He won 15 trophies with Real Madrid, including three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues. In 2022, he joined MLS club Los Angeles FC. He retired from football in January 2023, when he was 33 years old.

For Wales, Bale played 111 games and scored 41 goals. This makes him Wales' most capped player and top goalscorer ever. He helped Wales reach the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016. He also helped them qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was their first World Cup in 64 years. He was named Welsh Footballer of the Year a record six times.

Early Life and Football Start

Bale was born in Cardiff, Wales. His father, Frank, was a school caretaker. His mother, Debbie, was an operations manager. His uncle, Chris Pike, was also a footballer for Cardiff City.

He went to Eglwys Newydd Primary School in Whitchurch. At age nine, Southampton noticed him. This happened when he played in a small tournament with his first club, Cardiff Civil Service. Growing up, his football hero was Ryan Giggs, another Welsh player.

Bale attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff. He was a great athlete. He played football, rugby, and hockey. He was also very good at athletics. When he was 14, he could run the 100-metre sprint in just 11.4 seconds. Because he was so good at football, his PE teacher, Gwyn Morris, made special rules for him. Bale had to play one-touch football and could not use his left foot.

In 2005, Bale left school with good grades. His PE teacher praised him, saying Bale had "a fierce determination to succeed."

Club Career Highlights

Playing for Southampton

On 17 April 2006, Bale played his first game for Southampton. He was 16 years and 275 days old. This made him the second youngest player ever for the club. He scored his first goal on 6 August with a free kick against Derby County.

He became known for his powerful free kicks. By December 2006, he had scored five goals. In 2006, he won the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year award. On 4 March 2007, he was named the Football League Young Player of the Year.

His last game for Southampton was on 12 May 2007. He played 45 games for the club and scored five goals.

Joining Tottenham Hotspur

On 25 May 2007, Bale signed a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur. The club paid £5 million for him.

Early Years at Spurs

Bale in Spurs' line-up before a Premier League match against Chelsea in August 2008

Bale played his first game for Spurs in a friendly match on 12 July 2007. He scored his first goal for the club on 1 September 2007. It was a 3–3 draw with Fulham. He also scored against Arsenal in the North London derby from a free kick.

In December 2007, Bale got a serious ankle injury. This meant he missed the rest of the season. He returned in August 2008 and signed a new four-year deal. He played 30 games that season. He also got his first red card in a game against Stoke City.

Becoming a Star Winger

In June 2009, Bale had knee surgery. He missed over two months of play. He struggled to get into the first team at first. But when teammate Benoit Assou-Ekotto was injured, manager Harry Redknapp gave Bale a chance. He played very well.

In April 2010, Bale scored the winning goal in a 2–1 North London derby against Arsenal. Three days later, he scored the winning goal against Chelsea. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for April 2010. He signed a new contract in May 2010.

On 21 August 2010, Bale scored two goals against Stoke City. One was a fantastic volley. On 25 August, he set up all four goals in a Champions League play-off game. On 29 September, he scored his first Champions League goal for Tottenham. For his great performances, he was named Welsh Player of the Year.

On 20 October, Bale scored his first hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Tottenham lost the game 4–3. In the return match, Bale was amazing. He set up two goals to help Spurs win 3–1. In April 2011, he won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award.

Amazing 2012–2013 Season

Bale playing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2011

Bale scored his first goal of the 2011–12 season in September 2011. He scored two goals against Queens Park Rangers in October. In December, he scored against Bolton Wanderers. He paid tribute to former player Gary Speed after scoring. In January 2012, he was named Premier League Player of the Month again. He signed a new contract in June 2012.

For the 2012–13 season, Bale changed his shirt number from 3 to 11. He said he was "not a left-back anymore." He scored his first goal of the season in September against Reading. In September, he scored in Tottenham's 3–2 win over Manchester United. This was their first win at Old Trafford since 1989.

He scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Aston Villa in December. In January 2013, he scored a brilliant solo goal against Norwich City. He then scored two goals against Newcastle United. This helped Spurs move into third place.

In February, Bale scored two amazing free kicks against Lyon in the Europa League. He scored two more goals against West Ham. One was a long-range shot from over 30 yards. This was his eighth goal in six games.

On 3 March, Bale scored against Arsenal in a North London derby. Tottenham won 2–1. His great form led him to win Premier League Player of the Month for February. On 28 April, Bale won both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. A week later, he won the FWA Footballer of the Year Award. This made him one of only two players to win all three in the same season. The other was Cristiano Ronaldo.

Moving to Real Madrid

Bale at his Real Madrid unveiling in September 2013

On 1 September 2013, Real Madrid announced they had signed Bale. He signed a six-year deal. The transfer fee was a world record at the time. Bale was given the number 11 shirt.

First Seasons at Madrid

Bale's first half-season at Madrid had some injuries. He scored in his Real Madrid debut against Villarreal. His second game was a 6–1 win over Galatasaray. His free kick led to a goal for Cristiano Ronaldo.

On 30 October, he scored two goals and helped with two others in a 7–3 win against Sevilla. The Spanish press nicknamed him "The Cannon." In November, he scored a 25-yard free kick against Galatasaray. On 30 November, Bale scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid. It was a "perfect hat-trick," with one goal by header and one with each foot.

On 16 April 2014, Bale scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in the 2014 Copa del Rey Final against Barcelona. He ran past Barcelona defender Marc Bartra from the halfway line. This goal is seen as one of the best of his career. On 24 May, Bale scored in extra time in the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final. This helped Real Madrid win their tenth European Cup. He was the first Welshman to score in a Champions League final. He finished his first season with 22 goals and 16 assists.

Bale playing for Real Madrid in 2015

Bale started the 2014–15 season well. He helped Cristiano Ronaldo score in a 2–0 win against Sevilla. He scored twice in Real's 8–2 win over Deportivo La Coruña. In December 2014, Bale scored in the FIFA Club World Cup final. This helped the club win the trophy.

Winning More Trophies

Bale during the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League campaign

In September 2015, Bale scored twice against Real Betis. These goals meant that the attacking trio of Bale, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo had scored 200 goals together. On 20 December 2015, he scored four goals in a 10–2 win over Rayo Vallecano. On 9 January 2016, Bale scored his second hat-trick of the season. This was in Zinedine Zidane's first game as Real Madrid coach.

On 20 March 2016, Bale scored his 43rd La Liga goal. This made him the highest-scoring British player in the league's history. Bale was a regular starter when the team won the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League. He helped with the team's only goal and scored in the penalty shootout in the final.

On 30 October 2016, Bale signed a new contract with Madrid until 2022. In November 2016, he injured his ankle tendons. This kept him out for up to four months. Despite injuries, he played 19 times as Madrid won their 33rd La Liga title. He returned for the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final in his hometown, Cardiff. Real Madrid won 4–1.

Later Years and Departure

The 2017–18 UEFA Champions League saw Bale score once before the final. In the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final, Bale scored two goals. The first was an amazing overhead kick. Many call it one of the greatest goals in Champions League history. He became the first substitute to score twice in a Champions League final. He was named man of the match.

Bale (right) with Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny during a pre-season match in 2018

In August 2018, Bale was named Real Madrid Player of the Month. On 19 December 2018, Bale scored a hat-trick in the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup. He won the Golden Ball award after Real Madrid won the competition.

On 9 February 2019, Bale scored his 100th goal for Real Madrid. This was in a 3–1 win over rivals Atlético Madrid. In July 2019, he was close to leaving the club. He made 16 appearances as Real Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga.

Loan to Tottenham and Final Season

On 19 September 2020, Bale returned to Tottenham Hotspur on loan. He scored the winning goal against Brighton & Hove Albion on 1 November. This was his first goal since returning. On 3 December, Bale scored his 200th career goal. He scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United on 2 May 2021.

Bale visiting the Almudena after winning the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League

Bale returned to Real Madrid for the 2021–22 season. He played very few games. His agent confirmed he would leave Real Madrid at the end of the season. On 1 June, Bale announced his exit on Twitter.

Los Angeles FC and Retirement

On 27 June 2022, Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC signed Bale. He made his debut on 17 July. On 23 July, he scored his first goal for the club. Bale played 12 games in the regular season. The club won the Supporters' Shield.

He played in the MLS Cup final. His header in the 128th minute tied the match at 3–3. This was the latest goal in MLS history. LAFC won the shootout and their first MLS Cup title.

On 9 January 2023, Bale announced he was retiring from professional football.

International Career with Wales

Bale playing for Wales in a qualifying match against Austria in October 2016

Bale played for Wales for the first time on 27 May 2006. He was 16 years and 315 days old. This made him the youngest player to play for Wales. On 7 October 2006, he became the youngest goalscorer for the senior national team. He scored a free kick against Slovakia.

On 12 October 2012, Bale scored both goals for Wales in a 2–1 win over Scotland. He played his 100th Wales Cap on 13 November 2021 against Belarus.

Euro 2016 Journey

Bale with Ashley Williams (left) at a homecoming event in Cardiff in 2016.

On 9 September 2014, Bale scored two goals as Wales beat Andorra 2–1. On 12 June 2015, in his 50th game, he scored the only goal to beat Belgium. This put Wales at the top of their qualifying group. Wales qualified for UEFA Euro 2016. This was their first major tournament since the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

On 11 June 2016, Bale scored the first goal in Wales' opening game of Euro 2016. It was a free kick against Slovakia. This helped Wales win 2–1. He became the first Welsh player to score at a major tournament since 1958. He scored another free kick goal against England. Bale scored his third goal of the tournament in a 3–0 win over Russia. This made him Wales' all-time top scorer in major tournaments. Wales reached the semi-finals but lost to Portugal.

On 5 September 2016, Bale scored twice against Moldova. This brought him to 24 international goals. On 22 March 2018, Bale scored his first international hat-trick against China. This made him Wales' all-time top-scorer with 29 goals.

Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022

In May 2021, Bale was chosen as captain for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. He helped Wales qualify for the round of 16. They were beaten 4–0 by Denmark.

Bale scores Wales's first World Cup goal since 1958 from the penalty spot.

On 24 March 2022, Bale scored two goals against Austria. This sent Wales to the playoff final for the World Cup. In the final against Ukraine on 5 June, Bale's free-kick led to the only goal. Wales qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1958. Bale called it "the greatest result in history for Welsh football."

In November 2022, Bale was in the Wales squad for the World Cup in Qatar. In their first game against the United States, Bale scored a penalty kick. This was Wales' first World Cup goal since 1958. It earned his team a draw. Wales finished last in their group and were out of the tournament. Bale's last game as a professional footballer was Wales' final group game, a 3–0 loss to England.

Playing for Great Britain

Bale wanted to play for the Great Britain Olympic football team at the 2012 London Olympics. In October 2011, he was photographed wearing the British Olympic football supporters' shirt.

In June 2012, Bale pulled out of the tournament due to a back injury. He recovered quickly and played in Spurs' pre-season tour. Some people wanted him to be punished for this. But Tottenham said he had recovered faster than expected.

Player Style

Bale (pictured in 2013) was best known for his pace, athleticism and bending strikes from distance (often using the "knuckleball" technique) in his prime.

When he started, Bale played as a left-back. At Tottenham, his coach Harry Redknapp moved him to left winger. This is where he became a world-class player. He was known for his incredible speed, quickness, powerful shots, and heading ability. His speed allowed him to easily get past defenders.

Bale was also a free-kick specialist. He often used the "knuckleball" technique. Many managers and players praised him. They described him as a footballer with "tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities."

Later in his career, especially at Real Madrid, Bale played as a right winger. This allowed him to cut inside and shoot with his strong left foot. He was also used as a striker. However, injuries limited his playing time in his final seasons.

Outside Football

Personal Life

Bale lives in Madrid with his partner Emma Rhys-Jones. They were high-school sweethearts. They have three children. Their first two children were born in Cardiff. They got married in June 2019.

Bale was given the title Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2022. This was for his contributions to football and charity work.

Endorsements and Popularity

Bale wearing Adidas X15 football boots in 2015

In 2013, Bale created a logo based on his heart-shaped goal celebration. This was for merchandise. He was featured on the covers of the FIFA 14 video game. His goal celebration is also in the game.

Bale has worked with big companies like Adidas, EA Sports, and BT Sport. In 2014, he was the first player to wear the Adidas F50 crazylight football boots.

He has over 45 million followers on Instagram. In 2016, ESPN ranked Bale twelfth on its list of the world's most famous athletes.

Helping Others

In November 2014, Bale joined FIFA's "11 against Ebola" campaign. He worked with other football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. They helped raise awareness about the Ebola disease.

In April 2020, he and his wife Emma donated £1 million to health services in Wales and Spain. This helped in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, Bale gave £15,000 for Christmas hampers in Swansea, Wales.

Love for Golf

Bale loves golf. In his garden, he has a copy of the 17th hole at TPC at Sawgrass. This hobby became a bit famous in his last seasons at Real Madrid. Some people thought he cared more about golf than football. After Wales qualified for Euro 2020, he celebrated with a flag that said "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order." This showed his sense of humor. Bale has a golf handicap of "between a three and a four." In February 2023, he played in a professional golf tournament in California.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours and Awards

Tottenham Hotspur

• Football League Cup: 2007–08

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22
• Copa del Rey: 2013–14
• Supercopa de España: 2017
• UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22
• UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2017
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2017, 2018

Los Angeles FC

• MLS Cup: 2022
• Supporters' Shield: 2022

Individual Awards

• Tottenham Hotspur Young Player of the Year: 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
• Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year: 2012–13
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2011, 2013
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2015–16
• Welsh Footballer of the Year: 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
• ESM Team of the Year: 2012–13
• The Football League Team of the Decade
• PFA Team of the Year: 2006–07 Championship, 2010–11 Premier League, 2011–12 Premier League, 2012–13 Premier League
• PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2010–11, 2012–13
• PFA Young Player of the Year: 2012–13
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 2012–13
• Premier League Player of the Season: 2012–13
• FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2018
• BBC Wales Carwyn James Junior Sportsman of the Year: 2006
• Football Association of Wales Young Player of the Year: 2007
• BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year: 2010

Orders

• Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): 2022

See Also

• List of top international men's football goal scorers by country
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps