Gareth Bale - wikipedia Gareth Bale Gareth Bale Bale with Real Madrid in the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final Full name Gareth Frank Bale Date of birth ( 1989 - 07 - 16 ) 16 July 1989 ( age 29 ) Place of birth Cardiff, Wales Height 1.85 m ( 6 ft 1 in ) Playing position Winger Club information Current team Real Madrid Number 11 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 -- Real Madrid 126 ( 70 ) National team 2005 -- 2006 Wales U17 7 ( 1 ) 2006 Wales U19 ( 1 ) 2006 -- 2008 Wales U21 ( 2 ) 2006 -- Wales 70 ( 29 ) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20 : 31, 19 May 2018 ( UTC ) ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 26 March 2018 Gareth Frank Bale ( born 16 July 1989 ) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Wales national team. Renowned for his ball striking from distance, swerving free kicks, and his ability to get past defenders with pace, Bale has received plaudits from his peers, who have described him as a footballer with `` tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities ''. He began his professional career at Southampton, playing at left - back and earning acclaim as a free kick specialist. Bale moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2007, for an eventual £ 7 million fee. During his time at Tottenham, managerial and tactical shifts saw him transform into a more attacking player. From the 2009 -- 10 season, under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, Bale became an integral part of the team, rising to international attention during the 2010 -- 11 UEFA Champions League. In 2011 and 2013 he was named PFA Players ' Player of the Year, and was named in the UEFA Team of the Year. In 2013, he was also named PFA Young Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season. He was nominated to the PFA Team of the Year three times in a row between 2011 and 2013. On 1 September 2013, Bale was transferred to Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee. Press at the time reported the transfer value at figures between € 91 million and € 100 million. In January 2016, documents pertaining to the transfer were leaked which confirmed a then - world record transfer fee of € 100.8 million, eclipsing the previous record fee of £ 80 million ( € 94 million ) the club paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. Bale played an integral role in his first season at Real Madrid, helping the club to win the 2013 -- 14 Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, scoring in both finals. The following season, he won the UEFA Super Cup and scored in a third major final to help the club win the FIFA Club World Cup. Two years later, he was a key player in another Champions League run, winning the 2015 -- 16 title and being elected to the UEFA Squad of the Season. He was also a finalist in the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. In 2016, ESPN ranked Bale twelfth on its list of the world 's most famous athletes. Bale made his senior international debut for Wales in May 2006, becoming the youngest player at that point to represent the nation. He has since earned over 70 caps and scored 29 international goals, making him Wales ' highest scorer of all time. He was the top goalscorer for Wales in their successful qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 2016, scoring seven goals ; he subsequently represented his nation in the final tournament as they reached the semi-finals, scoring three goals. He has been named Welsh Footballer of the Year a record six times. Contents 1 Early life and career 2 Club career 2.1 Southampton 2.2 Tottenham Hotspur 2.2. 1 2007 -- 09 2.2. 2 2009 -- 10 2.2. 3 2010 -- 11 2.2. 4 2011 -- 12 2.2. 5 2012 -- 13 2.3 Real Madrid 2.3. 1 2013 -- 14 2.3. 2 2014 -- 15 2.3. 3 2015 -- 16 2.3. 4 2016 -- 17 2.3. 5 2017 -- 18 3 International career 3.1 Wales 3.1. 1 Euro 2016 campaign 3.2 Great Britain 4 Style of play 4.1 Reception 5 Career statistics 5.1 Club 5.2 International 5.3 International goals 6 Outside football 6.1 Personal life 6.2 Trademark application 6.3 Endorsements and wealth 6.4 Philanthropy 6.5 Golf 7 Honours 8 References 9 External links Early life and career Gareth was born in Cardiff, Wales, to parents Frank, a school caretaker, and Debbie Bale, an operations manager ; he attended Eglwys Newydd Primary School at Whitchurch. He is the nephew of former Cardiff City footballer Chris Pike. It was while at this school he first came to the attention of Southampton at age nine, when he was playing in a six - a-side tournament with his first club, Cardiff Civil Service Football Club. Growing up, his football hero was fellow Welshman and Manchester United player Ryan Giggs. Bale attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff. He was a keen athlete ; he played football alongside future Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton, rugby, hockey and excelled at athletics. As a 14 - year - old he says that he ran the 100 - metre sprint in 11.4 seconds. Because of his superior footballing skill, the school 's PE teacher, Gwyn Morris, had to write special rules which restricted Bale to playing one - touch football and not using his left foot. Whilst at Whitchurch, Bale trained at Southampton 's satellite academy in Bath, although there was initially some doubt if Southampton would give him a scholarship due to his height. Despite being only 16 at the time, he helped the school 's under - 18 side win the Cardiff & Vale Senior Cup. He left school in the summer of 2005 with a Grade A in PE amongst his other GCSE results. In his final year at school, he was awarded the PE department 's prize for services to sport. In the presentation, Morris commented : `` Gareth has a fierce determination to succeed and has the character and qualities to achieve his personal goals. He is one of the most unselfish individuals that I have had the pleasure to help educate. '' Club career Southampton On 17 April 2006, at the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for Southampton ( after Theo Walcott, who was 132 days younger ) when he made his debut in the Saints ' 2 -- 0 victory against Millwall. On 6 August, Bale scored his first league goal, a free kick, to level the score at 1 -- 1 against Derby County. The final score at Pride Park was 2 -- 2. He scored again, at St. Mary 's, against Coventry City in the team 's second game of the 2006 -- 07 season with another free kick. Bale further developed his reputation as a free kick specialist when he struck the post from one against West Bromwich Albion. By 16 December 2006, Bale 's goal count had risen to five, thanks to a late equaliser against Sunderland and free - kicks away to Hull and at home to Norwich City. In December 2006, he won the Carwyn James Award for the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year, and was named the Football League Young Player of the Year on 4 March 2007. This capped what was described in the local press as an `` incredible '' first full season as a professional footballer in which he was one of the Saints ' `` most creative players even ( though operating ) from the left - back position whilst his defending improved immeasurably as the season progressed. '' His final game for Southampton was in the first leg of the Championship play - off semi-final against Derby County on 12 May 2007. Bale suffered an injury during the second half, preventing him from appearing in the second leg. In total, he made 45 appearances for Southampton, scoring five goals. Tottenham Hotspur On 25 May 2007, Bale signed a four - year deal with Tottenham Hotspur with the club paying an initial £ 5 million for the player, potentially rising to £ 10 million based on appearances and success. However, in 2008, Southampton agreed an early settlement payment of £ 2 million reducing the final fee to £ 7 million in exchange for immediate cash needed in light of their financial difficulties. 2007 -- 09 Bale in Spurs ' line - up before a match against Chelsea Bale played his first game for Spurs in a friendly against St. Patrick 's Athletic on 12 July 2007, but was substituted on the 80th minute with a minor dead leg. He made his competitive debut for Tottenham Hotspur on 26 August away against Manchester United. On 1 September 2007, in just his second Spurs appearance, he scored his first goal for Tottenham in the 3 -- 3 draw with Fulham. Bale went on to score against Arsenal in the North London derby from a free kick. He then scored in the League Cup home tie against Middlesbrough, to make it three goals in four starts for the then 18 - year - old. On 2 December 2007, Bale was substituted after sustaining an injury resulting from a tackle from Fabrice Muamba in the league fixture against Birmingham City. A scan revealed that Bale had suffered ligament damage to his right ankle, consigning him to an extended period on the sidelines. Bale had exploratory surgery on 11 December. By February 2008, it became clear that Bale was to miss the rest of the season through injury. Sporting Director of Tottenham, Damien Comolli said, `` Even if the examination reveals that Gareth 's foot is stable, the decision has been taken to bring him back slowly to ensure he does not get a repeat of the injury or suffer any further damage. Gareth is obviously disappointed to be sidelined for this length of time but he is still young and we have to do what is best for him in the long run. '' Bale did return towards the end of the 2008 -- 09 season and even took part in the League Cup final against Manchester United. Bale came off the bench in the 98th minute in extra time with the final result deadlocked at 0 -- 0 resulting in a penalty shootout that ended 4 -- 1 to Manchester United. Bale signed a new 4 - year deal with the club in August 2008. After some mediocre performances, Bale was dropped in favour of Benoît Assou - Ekotto and the latter remained first - choice for most of the season. 2009 -- 10 In June 2009, Bale underwent surgery for a knee injury, ruling him out for over two months. He missed pre-season matches and it was projected that he would miss the first few weeks of the 2009 -- 10 season. On 26 September, he made his comeback as an 85th - minute substitute in Tottenham 's 5 -- 0 win over Burnley. This was Bale 's first ever involvement in a Premier League win, after playing a record 24 league matches for Spurs without being on the winning side. However, he struggled to break into the first team, in part thanks to Benoît Assou - Ekotto 's good form. When Assou - Ekotto was sidelined with an injury, manager Harry Redknapp decided to give Bale a chance and he impressed in Spurs ' FA Cup third - round 4 -- 0 win over Peterborough. He finally tasted victory for the first time as a starter in a league game in the 2 -- 0 win over London rivals Fulham on 26 January 2010. Bale 's good form continued and he was named Player of the Round after helping Spurs to a 3 -- 1 win in the sixth round replay of the FA Cup against Fulham. In April 2010, Bale scored the winning goal in a 2 -- 1 North London derby win against Arsenal, tapping past Manuel Almunia, after a pass from Jermain Defoe. Three days later, Bale scored Tottenham 's winning goal with his weaker right foot in a 2 -- 1 victory over league leaders and eventual champions Chelsea and was named Man of the Match. He was named Barclays Player of the Month for April 2010. He signed a new four - year contract at White Hart Lane on 7 May 2010, as a reward for helping the club reach the Champions League qualification place. 2010 -- 11 San Jose Earthquakes ' Arturo Álvarez evades Bale ( left ) in a July 2010 friendly in San Jose, California. On 21 August 2010, Bale scored twice in a 2 -- 1 win at Stoke City, the second of which was a head - high volley into the top right hand corner of the goal. This was later awarded Goal of the Month for August 2010 by the BBC. On 25 August, Bale set up all four goals to help Spurs overcome Young Boys 4 -- 0 ( 6 -- 3 agg. ) in a Champions League play - off at White Hart Lane. Although Assou - Ekotto had already returned from injury, Bale continued his good form and cemented his place in the starting eleven, moving forward to left wing to accommodate Assou - Ekotto at left - back. On 29 September, Bale scored his first Champions League goal for Tottenham in a 4 -- 1 home win against Dutch champions FC Twente in their second game of the group stages. In recognition, he was named Welsh Player of the Year by the FAW. On 20 October, Bale scored his first senior hat trick against European champions Inter Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League. Tottenham lost the match 4 -- 3, having been 4 -- 0 down inside the first 35 minutes and playing with ten men for over 80 minutes of the match after goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had been sent off in the eighth minute for a professional foul on Inter 's Jonathan Biabiany. In the return match at White Hart Lane on 2 November, Bale provided a man of the match performance, setting up goals for Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko to earn Spurs a memorable 3 -- 1 win. In December, Bale was awarded the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year trophy. On 4 November, Bale stated that he intended to remain at Tottenham for the remainder of his recently signed four - year contract, despite reported interest from other clubs, and on 19 March 2011, he extended his stay at the club until 2015. On 17 April, Bale was honoured with the PFA Players ' Player of the Year award, as voted for by his peers. 2011 -- 12 Bale scored his first goal of the season on 24 September 2011, in an away game against Wigan Athletic. The game ended in a 2 -- 1 victory for Tottenham. He added his second and third goals of the season on 30 October with two goals against Queens Park Rangers in a 3 -- 1 home win. He continued his good form with the first goal in a 3 -- 1 victory over Fulham the following week, whilst also setting up Aaron Lennon who made it 2 -- 0 on the stroke of half time. The first goal against Fulham was later ruled by the `` dubious goals committee '' to be an own goal by Chris Baird. Bale playing for Tottenham in 2011 On 3 December, Bale scored the first goal in Tottenham 's 3 -- 0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. He marked the goal with a tribute to Gary Speed by holding up his left boot, with `` R.I.P Gary Speed '' stitched on it, in front of the Bolton fans. On 27 December, Bale scored twice to give Tottenham a 2 -- 0 win against Norwich City. On 5 January 2012, Bale was one of the players voted into the 2011 UEFA Team of the Year. He scored his third brace of the season as he scored twice against Wigan, on 31 January to take his tally to ten goals for the season. In January 2012, he was named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in his career, after three goals and two assists in the Premier League for the month. On 27 June, Bale signed a new four - year contract, committing his future to the club until 2016. 2012 -- 13 For the 2012 -- 13 season, Bale changed his squad number from 3 to 11 as he was `` not a left - back anymore '' and had asked the club for a `` higher number ''. On 16 September 2012, Bale scored his first goal of the season against Reading in a 3 -- 1 away victory. On 29 September, Bale scored the second goal in Tottenham 's 3 -- 2 away victory over Manchester United, their first win at Old Trafford since 1989. He scored his first Premier League hat - trick in a 4 -- 0 away win on Boxing Day against Aston Villa. On 5 January 2013, Bale scored in the FA Cup third round fixture against Coventry City as well as assisting Clint Dempsey on both of his goals in a 3 -- 0 win. On 30 January, Bale scored a magnificent solo effort in the 1 -- 1 draw with Norwich City. Bale then scored against West Bromwich Albion in a 1 -- 0 away win on 3 February. Bale then took his goal tally of the season to 15 goals with a brace against Newcastle United in a match which Spurs won 2 -- 1. This took Spurs into third place, and strengthened their Champions League ambitions. In Bale 's next game, he scored directly from two free kicks, one from 35 yards out just before half time and another from 25 yards out in the dying seconds of injury time, to give Tottenham a 2 -- 1 victory over Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie on 14 February. This took Bale to a tally of ten goals in his previous ten appearances. In Tottenham 's Premier League match against West Ham on 25 February, Bale scored the first and third in a 3 -- 2 win for Tottenham. His second, a long range dipping strike from over 30 yards, in the dying stages of the game, capped a world class performance. This was his eighth goal in six games. On 3 March, Bale scored against Arsenal in a North London derby that Tottenham won 2 -- 1. On 7 March, Tottenham faced Inter Milan in the Europa League, with Bale scoring the opening goal and Tottenham winning 3 -- 0. Bale 's run of good form in the early months of 2013 saw him win Premier League Player of the Month for February as well as the BBC 's Goal of the Month in both January and February for his strikes against Norwich City and West Ham United respectively. On 4 April, Bale injured his right ankle in the first leg of the Europa League quarter final against Basel. On his return from injury, Bale scored a goal and assisted Clint Dempsey as Tottenham beat Manchester City at White Hart Lane. On 28 April, Bale won both the PFA Players ' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year after his excellent showing in the 2012 -- 13 season. A week later, on 2 May 2013, he added the FWA ( Football Writer 's Association ) Player of the Year Award, making Bale one of only two players who have won all three in the same season -- the other being Cristiano Ronaldo, who won them in 2007. Bale scored the winning goal against his former club Southampton on 4 May. The goal gave Spurs a 1 -- 0 win as well as being Bale 's 20th in the Premier League in his 200th appearance for Spurs. On 19 May, Bale scored a 90th - minute goal from 25 yards out. This goal gave Spurs a 1 -- 0 win over Sunderland, but was not enough to give them Champions League football for the following season. Real Madrid Bale at his Real Madrid unveiling in September 2013 On 1 September 2013, Spanish club Real Madrid announced that they had reached an agreement for the transfer of Bale, signing a six - year deal in a then world record deal. The Spanish press ( and Real Madrid TV ) reported that Bale had cost £ 77 million ( € 91 million ), while the British press reported a world record transfer fee of £ 85.3 million ( € 100 million ), which would be above Cristiano Ronaldo 's transfer record fee of £ 80 million ( € 94 million ). However, in January 2016, documents pertaining to the transfer were leaked by Football Leaks which confirmed a world record transfer fee of € 100.8 million ( £ 85.1 million ). Bale 's record was surpassed in August 2016 by Paul Pogba 's record fee of € 105 million ( £ 89.2 million ). Bale was assigned the number 11 shirt at Madrid. 2013 -- 14 The first half of Bale 's season was plagued by injuries ; of Real 's first 16 games after his signing, Bale missed five and was substituted on or off in six others, playing only five full games. Bale scored on his Real Madrid debut, a goal coming in the 38th minute against Villarreal, before being substituted later in the game for Ángel Di María. Bale 's second appearance for Madrid came in a 6 -- 1 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League. Although Bale only played the final 26 minutes, his free - kick led to Cristiano Ronaldo 's second goal of the game. On 28 September 2013, Bale made his home debut as a second - half substitute in a 1 -- 0 loss to local rivals Atlético Madrid. Due to a recurring thigh injury he suffered during pre-season, Bale missed the first two games of October, against Copenhagen and Levante. Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti gradually eased him back into action, as he played 14 minutes against Málaga on 19 October. He won a stoppage time penalty which Ronaldo scored to give Madrid a 2 -- 0 victory. Following a brief appearance against Juventus in the Champions League, Bale made his El Clásico debut on 26 October, but was substituted in the 61st minute. Barcelona won the game 2 -- 1, and Bale 's performance drew some media criticism. Four days later, he scored two goals and assisted two in a 7 -- 3 victory against Sevilla. Following his impressive performance the Spanish press nicknamed Bale `` The Cannon ''. Atlético Madrid 's Arda Turan ( left ) chasing down Bale in September 2013. In November, he assisted a further two goals in Madrid 's 3 -- 2 victory over Rayo Vallecano, before scoring in a 2 -- 2 draw with Juventus in the Champions League. On 9 November, Bale assisted Sami Khedira 's goal in a 5 -- 1 win over Real Sociedad. On 23 November, Bale scored his fourth league goal in eight games as Madrid defeated Almería 5 -- 0. He then scored a dipping free - kick against Galatasaray in the Champions League, a match which Madrid won 4 -- 1 despite being a man down. On 30 November, Bale rounded off the month with his first hat - trick for Real Madrid, as well as assisting Karim Benzema, in a 4 -- 0 victory over Real Valladolid. It was a `` perfect hat - trick '' : one goal with a header and one with each foot. On 26 February 2014, he scored twice in Real Madrid 's 6 -- 1 win against Schalke in the Champions League round - of - 16 first leg. He then scored one of the team 's three goals in a 3 -- 0 quarter - final defeat of Borussia Dortmund on 2 April, taking him to five Champions League goals for the season. In La Liga, he scored four goals in three matches between gameweeks 31 and 33, as Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano ( 5 -- 0 ), Real Sociedad ( 4 -- 0 ) and Almería ( 4 -- 0 ). `` It is difficult to see a player sprint like that at that stage of the game. '' -- Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino on Bale 's 85th minute winner for Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. On 16 April, Bale scored the winning goal for Real Madrid with five minutes remaining in the 2014 Copa del Rey Final against rivals Barcelona. Considered one of the best goals of his career, Bale outsprinted Barcelona defender Marc Bartra from the halfway line ( with Bale running off the field at one point ) before converting past goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto. In the post match interview Bale stated, `` I had to get round the player and go off the pitch to do it '', while his Real Madrid teammate Xabi Alonso commented, `` It was incredible, I have never seen anything like it ''. The goal was Bale 's 20th of the season and his first in a Clásico fixture. On 24 May, Bale scored in the 110th minute of the extra time period to put Real Madrid 2 -- 1 up against city rivals Atlético Madrid in the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final, as Los Blancos won their tenth European Cup. The goal made Bale the first Welshman to score a goal in a European Cup / Champions League final ( Ian Rush scored in a penaty shoot - out for Liverpool in the 1984 European Cup final ). Bale finished his debut season with 22 goals and 16 assists in all competitions. Real Madrid 's attacking trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano, dubbed the BBC, finished the season with 97 goals. 2014 -- 15 Bale playing for Real Madrid in 2015 Although the 2014 -- 15 season saw a drop in performance from Bale, he started the season in good form, playing the full 90 minutes and assisting Cristiano Ronaldo 's first goal in a 2 -- 0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium against Sevilla to win the 2014 UEFA Super Cup. This was his third trophy as a Real Madrid player. After the match, his performance was described as `` amazing '' by Ronaldo. Six days later, Bale scored his first goal of the season in a 4 -- 2 away loss to Real Sociedad. Bale scored twice in Real 's 8 -- 2 win over Deportivo La Coruna on 20 September 2014. In December 2014, Bale scored in a third major final, the second goal in a 2 -- 0 win over San Lorenzo, to help the club win the FIFA Club World Cup. In a match against Espanyol on 10 January 2015, Bale was booed by a section of Madrid fans who adjudged him as being selfish in shooting for goal and not passing to Ronaldo. Bale was later defended by Carlo Ancelotti over the issue. On 18 April, Bale sustained a calf injury against Málaga. 2015 -- 16 Bale during the 2015 -- 16 UEFA Champions League campaign Bale scored twice in Real 's win over Real Betis in September 2015. His two goals took the total number of goals of Madrid 's attacking trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to 200 goals since they first played together in 2013. On 20 December 2015, he scored four goals in a 10 -- 2 victory over Rayo Vallecano. On 9 January 2016, Bale scored his second hat - trick of the season in Madrid 's 5 -- 0 defeat of Deportivo de La Coruña in Zinédine Zidane 's first match as head coach of Los Blancos. After being sidelined since 19 January, due to a calf injury he sustained in a 5 -- 1 league victory at home against Sporting Gijón, during which he had also scored the opening goal of the match, Bale returned to the pitch on 5 March ; he made a substitute appearance in Real Madrid 's 7 -- 1 home win over Celta de Vigo, scoring Real Madrid 's final goal of the match. On 20 March 2016, Bale scored his 43rd La Liga goal in a 4 -- 0 defeat of Sevilla to surpass Gary Lineker as the highest scoring British player in the competition 's history. On 23 April, Bale scored twice as Real Madrid came from 0 -- 2 down to win 3 -- 2 at Rayo Vallecano. Bale was a regular starter when the team won the 2015 -- 16 UEFA Champions League. He assisted the team 's only goal and went on to score in the penalty shoot out win over Atlético Madrid in the final. 2016 -- 17 Wikinews has related news : Bale signs contract extension with Real Madrid to 2022 On 30 October 2016, Bale signed a new contract with Madrid until 2022. On 22 November 2016, Bale damaged his ankle tendons during the 2 -- 1 victory at Sporting CP that would rule him out for up to four months. On 23 April, Bale made his 100th appearance in La Liga in a 3 -- 2 home defeat to Barcelona, but was forced off after sustaining an injury. Despite suffering several injuries during the season he managed to feature 19 times for Madrid as they won their 33rd La Liga title. After missing more than a month, he returned to action for the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final, which Madrid won. 2017 -- 18 In the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final, Bale scored two goals, an overhead kick and a long distance strike resulting in a 3 -- 1 victory over Liverpool, to help Real Madrid win their thirteenth Champions League trophy. He became the first substitute to score two goals in a Champions League final and was named man of the match. International career Wales Bale playing for Wales in a qualifying match against Austria in October 2016 Bale was selected by Wales at the end of the 2005 -- 06 season for a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on 27 May 2006. In the match in Graz, Austria, he replaced David Vaughan after 55 minutes and assisted Robert Earnshaw 's winning goal in a 2 -- 1 victory. At 16 years and 315 days, Bale became the youngest player to play for Wales, breaking a record held by Lewin Nyatanga for the last three months ; this record was itself superseded by Harry Wilson in November 2012. Brian Flynn commented that Bale was potentially a future star of the game, comparing his technical ability to that of Ryan Giggs. On 7 October 2006, Bale became the youngest player ever to score a goal for the full Welsh national team in the Euro 2008 qualification match against Slovakia with a free kick. Bale was eligible to play for England through his grandmother, but he stated in 2007 that : `` It is an honour to play for Wales... Nobody ever got in touch with me personally from England, only through my agent. '' With Wales, he rose to international attention during the 2010 -- 11 UEFA Champions League with Tottenham. After a long injury lay - off, he returned and started in the World Cup qualifier against Finland on 10 October 2009. On 14 October, he played a part in Wales ' final World Cup qualifier by setting up David Vaughan to score the opening goal against Liechtenstein and won the free kick that led to the second, Aaron Ramsey 's first at senior level. In December 2010, Bale was awarded the BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year trophy. On 12 October 2012, Bale scored two goals in a 2 -- 1 victory over Scotland in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. On 22 March 2018, with 29 goals, Bale became Wales ' all - time top - scorer surpassing Ian Rush 's 28, thanks to his first hat - trick in his international career in a 2018 China Cup match against China. Euro 2016 campaign On 9 September 2014, Bale scored two goals, one with a header and another one with a free - kick, as Wales came from behind to beat Andorra 2 -- 1 in their first match of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. In doing so, he became Wales ' joint 10th all - time top - scorer with 14 goals, alongside John Hartson. Bale scored two goals on 28 March 2015, in a 3 -- 0 win away in Israel. On 12 June, his 50th cap, he scored the only goal to defeat Belgium in a home qualifier, taking Wales above the Belgians to the top of Group B. He headed Jazz Richards ' cross on 3 September for the only goal in an away win over Cyprus, putting Wales three points away from qualification. With qualification to UEFA Euro 2016 achieved ( the country 's first major finals since the 1958 FIFA World Cup ), on 13 October 2015, Bale scored his seventh goal of the qualifying campaign in Wales ' final qualifier against Andorra at Cardiff City Stadium. Bale with Ashley Williams ( left ) at the special homecoming event in Cardiff. With thousands of supporters observing, Bale described the event as `` very special '' in a BBC interview. On 11 June, Bale scored the first goal in Wales ' clash with Slovakia in their opening game of UEFA Euro 2016, helping his country secure a 2 -- 1 win and, in the process, lead them to their first win in a tournament in 58 years. His goal saw him become the first Welsh player to score at a major international tournament since Terry Medwin 's goal against Hungary at the 1958 FIFA World Cup. He then followed this up by scoring another opening free - kick goal against England in the second group game, though Wales went on to lose the game 2 -- 1 ; this made Bale the first player to score two free kicks at a European Championship since Germany 's Thomas Häßler in 1992. Bale scored his third goal of the tournament in a 3 -- 0 win over Russia, making him their all - time top goalscorer in major tournaments, ahead of Ivor Allchurch who scored twice in the 1958 World Cup ; he also helped to create the second goal of the match, which was scored by Neil Taylor. In the last 16 against Northern Ireland at the Parc des Princes, Bale sent in the cross from which Gareth McAuley scored an own goal to give the Welsh victory. Wales were eliminated following a 2 -- 0 defeat to eventual champions Portugal in the semi-final of the tournament on 6 July. On 5 September 2016, Bale scored twice in a 4 -- 0 win over Moldova in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification game. This brought him to 24 international goals, surpassing both Ivor Allchurch and Trevor Ford, and behind only Ian Rush 's 28. Great Britain Bale, who met the age criteria to play in the 2012 London Olympics, said he would `` love to play in the Olympics '' for the Great Britain Olympic football team, in defiance of the Welsh FA. On 28 October 2011 Bale became the first player to be photographed modelling the British 2012 London Olympics football supporters ' shirt. In response, Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford said : `` Our position remains unchanged. We are not for Team GB. Gareth can make his own choices and make his own decisions. But we are not going to stop anyone playing. '' On behalf of Bale a spokesman said `` while he is 100 % Welsh, he is also British ''. At the end of June 2012, Bale pulled out of the tournament with a back injury. On 29 June, he advised the Team GB football manager, Stuart Pearce, that he would not be available for selection as he had aggravated an old back and hip injury during a training run. In view of the short recovery time between the end of the Olympics and the start of the Premier League season, Bale had decided to withdraw rather than exacerbate the problem. Bale recovered from his injury in good time to be included on Spurs ' pre-season tour of the United States, scoring against LA Galaxy on 24 July and against New York Red Bulls a week later. Between these matches, Bale also played against Liverpool when he was injured in a tackle by Charlie Adam. Bale 's appearances in Spurs ' pre-season tour coincided with Team GB 's Olympic matches, where they drew with Senegal before victories over United Arab Emirates and Uruguay took them through to the knockout stages, where they lost to South Korea following a penalty shoot - out. Bale 's withdrawal from the Team GB squad attracted calls for sanctions against him including a ban from the rest of Spurs ' pre-season tour but, in the absence of an official complaint by Team GB, these were not carried out. Spurs ' manager, Andre Villas - Boas, defended the player insisting that Bale `` had recovered quicker than expected ''. The club 's stance was supported by British Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan. Tottenham released a statement in relation to Bale 's non-selection for Team GB, they stated that `` Gareth sustained an injury as he built up his fitness ahead of joining up with Stuart Pearce 's side. MRI scan reports were sent to the FA medical team on 29 June ( 2012 ). He was subsequently not selected on the basis of this injury and the inability to predict recovery time. This decision was not taken lightly and made only after consultation with Team GB 's medical team, who were in agreement after seeing the medical reports ''. Style of play Bale against Atlético Madrid in September 2013 One of the fastest footballers in the world, Bale started out as an offensive left - back or wing - back at the beginning of his career. It was at Tottenham Hotspur that his manager Harry Redknapp decided to utilise Bale 's pace and played him as a left - winger, where he developed into a world class player. He is known for his physical fitness, pace, strength, stamina, skill, heading ability, and agility, with a capacity to regularly get past defenders due to his acceleration, physicality, and athleticism. Possessing good technique and ball control, Bale is also a free - kick specialist, as evidenced with his two bending free kicks against Olympique Lyonnais. As he moved further forward onto the wing, he began to score goals on a regular basis with powerful strikes from outside the penalty box. A quick, strong, hard - working, and dynamic player who is hard to contain in one vs. one situations, opposing managers have employed two players to stop him when he receives the ball. In addition to his athletic and offensive capabilities, Bale has also drawn praise in the media for his work - rate and defensive contribution off the ball. As Bale has developed into one of the most dangerous left - wingers in the world, his style of play has won admiration from managers, current and past players such as Luís Figo, José Mourinho, Igor Štimac, and Dani Alves. Bale has been described as a footballer with `` tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities ''. Former Liverpool player and BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson said in 2011 : `` What makes Gareth Bale so special ? Simple. He is one of the quickest players I 've ever seen, but he has another gear and the ability to find that extra pace within the next stride. He has the ability to perform and use his technique at great pace. '' During the 2011 -- 12 season, Harry Redknapp experimented with using Bale in a free role, as an attacking midfielder, or as a second striker. The following season, André Villas - Boas, deployed Bale in this role on a more permanent basis. Since joining Real Madrid, Bale has usually been deployed as a winger, but mostly on the right flank, due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the left, a position which enables him to cut into the centre and strike on goal with his stronger left foot ; he has also been used in a more attacking role on occasion, as a striker or centre forward, courtesy of his goalscoring, movement off the ball, and ability to make attacking runs, while his elevation, strength, and heading accuracy have seen him excel in the air in this role. However, in spite of his playing ability, his playing time with Real Madrid in recent seasons has largely been limited by recurring injury struggles. Reception On 2 November 2010, after a Champions League group stage match against Internazionale, teammate Rafael van der Vaart said, `` Everyone is scared of him ( Bale ). Maicon is one of the best defenders in the world, and he 's killed him. '' In a report of the same match, Spanish newspaper El Mundo said : Bale combines the height and build of an 800 - metre runner like Steve Ovett with the acceleration and directness of a rugby winger like Bryan Habana. And, when he gets to the byline, he delivers curling crosses like a Brazilian. Big words ? Yes, but that 's what Bale is like -- easily the greatest sensation in the opening month and a half of the Champions League. Ask Maicon what he thinks after the two exhibitions Bale turned in against Inter. Yesterday he left Maicon for dead and then a wily old fox like Lúcio was left in his wake like someone trying to follow the vapour trail of an aeroplane. Three goals and two assists -- against the European champions. His performances have been stunning. Following Bale 's two goals against Norwich City on 27 December 2011, manager Harry Redknapp said : If we sell him, we 've had it have n't we ? It would only be a Barcelona, a Man City or a Real Madrid who would be able to pay for him. He 's an amazing player. He 's got everything, there 's not a weakness in his make - up. He can head the ball, he 's as strong as an ox, he can run, dribble and shoot. Most important of all, he 's a smashing lad. Speaking at an interview in 2012, Manchester City fullback Micah Richards revealed that Bale was one of his toughest opponents he had ever faced, saying that : `` He made me feel an inch tall. Took me to pieces. He just does n't stop running. It 's ridiculous. '' Redknapp made even more positive comments regarding Bale in October 2012, stating that he is in the same class as both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He said : `` He 's an amazing, amazing talent and he 's after the Ronaldos and Messis of this world and he 's getting better and better. He 's almost unplayable when he 's on his game. He is a genuine world - class player. There 's nobody he could n't play for. He 'd improve any team. '' Bale has been accused of diving by sections of the British media. However, this has been denied by Bale, Redknapp and Wales coach Chris Coleman. On 29 December 2012, Bale picked up his third yellow card for simulation for the 2012 -- 13 season. It was his fifth for simulation since the start of the 2011 -- 12 season, and no other Premier League player had more than two cautions for simulation in that time. Between August 2008 and his departure from the Premier League, he was booked eight times for simulation. The next most - booked players were shown three yellow cards each. Bale was ranked twelfth on ESPN 's list of the world 's most famous athletes in 2016, while The Guardian listed him as the seventh - best footballer on the planet in the same year. Career statistics Club As of 26 May 2018 Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe Other Total Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Southampton 2005 -- 06 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2006 -- 07 38 5 0 0 0 0 0 43 5 Total 40 5 0 0 0 0 0 45 5 Tottenham Hotspur 2007 -- 08 8 0 0 0 0 0 12 2008 -- 09 16 0 0 5 0 7 0 0 0 30 0 2009 -- 10 23 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 2010 -- 11 30 7 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 41 11 2011 -- 12 36 9 0 0 0 0 42 12 2012 -- 13 33 21 8 0 0 44 26 Total 146 42 16 10 31 8 0 0 203 55 Real Madrid 2013 -- 14 27 15 5 -- 12 6 0 0 44 22 2014 -- 15 31 13 0 -- 10 5 48 17 2015 -- 16 23 19 0 0 -- 8 0 -- 31 19 2016 -- 17 19 7 0 0 -- 8 0 0 27 9 2017 -- 18 26 16 -- 7 39 21 Total 126 70 9 -- 45 13 9 189 88 Career total 312 117 26 5 13 76 21 10 437 148 Includes Football League Championship play - offs, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. The Spurs goal tally excludes the goal scored against Fulham on 6 November 2011, later ruled as an own goal International As of 26 March 2018 Wales national team Year Apps Goals Ratio 2006 0.25 2007 7 0.14 2008 5 0 0.00 2009 7 0 0.00 0.25 2011 6 0.50 2012 5 0.60 2013 5 0.40 2014 5 0.60 2015 6 5 0.83 2016 11 7 0.64 2017 0 0.00 2018 1.50 Total 70 29 0.41 International goals As of match played 22 March 2018. Wales score listed first, score column indicates score after each Bale goal. International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition 7 October 2006 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales Slovakia 1 -- 2 1 -- 5 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification 28 March 2007 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 6 San Marino 2 -- 0 3 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification 12 October 2010 St. Jakob - Park, Basel, Switzerland 27 Switzerland 1 -- 1 1 -- 4 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification 7 October 2011 Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales 31 Switzerland 2 -- 0 2 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification 5 11 October 2011 Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria 32 Bulgaria 1 -- 0 1 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification 6 12 November 2011 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 33 Norway 1 -- 0 4 -- 1 Friendly 7 11 September 2012 Karađorđe Stadium, Novi Sad, Serbia 36 Serbia 1 -- 2 1 -- 6 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification 8 12 October 2012 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 37 Scotland 1 -- 1 2 -- 1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification 9 2 -- 1 10 6 February 2013 Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales 39 Austria 1 -- 0 2 -- 1 Friendly 11 26 March 2013 Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales 41 Croatia 1 -- 0 1 -- 2 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification 12 5 March 2014 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 44 Iceland 3 -- 1 3 -- 1 Friendly 13 9 September 2014 Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra 45 Andorra 1 -- 1 2 -- 1 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification 14 2 -- 1 15 28 March 2015 Sammy Ofer Stadium, Haifa, Israel 49 Israel 2 -- 0 3 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification 16 3 -- 0 17 12 June 2015 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 50 Belgium 1 -- 0 1 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification 18 3 September 2015 GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus 51 Cyprus 1 -- 0 1 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification 19 13 October 2015 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 54 Andorra 2 -- 0 2 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification 20 11 June 2016 Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France 56 Slovakia 1 -- 0 2 -- 1 UEFA Euro 2016 21 16 June 2016 Stade Bollaert - Delelis, Lens, France 57 England 1 -- 0 1 -- 2 UEFA Euro 2016 22 20 June 2016 Stadium Municipal, Toulouse, France 58 Russia 3 -- 0 3 -- 0 UEFA Euro 2016 23 5 September 2016 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 62 Moldova 3 -- 0 4 -- 0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification 24 4 -- 0 25 9 October 2016 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 64 Georgia 1 -- 0 1 -- 1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification 26 12 November 2016 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 65 Serbia 1 -- 0 1 -- 1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification 27 22 March 2018 Guangxi Sports Center, Nanning, China 69 China PR 1 -- 0 6 -- 0 2018 China Cup 28 2 -- 0 29 6 -- 0 Outside football Personal life Bale lives in Madrid with his fiancée Emma Rhys - Jones, his high school sweetheart. Their first child, Alba Violet, was born in Cardiff on 21 October 2012, and their second daughter, Nava Valentina, was born in the same city on 22 March 2016. On 17 July 2016, a day after his 27th birthday, Bale announced that he and Rhys - Jones had got engaged. On 9 March 2018, Bale announced that he and his fiancée were expecting their third child. Bale is teetotal. Trademark application On 26 March 2013, Bale filed an application with the Intellectual Property Office to register a logo based on his heart shaped goal celebration along with his squad number ( eleven ) to be used on a range of merchandise such as clothing and footwear. Endorsements and wealth Bale is featured in EA Sports ' FIFA video game series, and he has appeared on the British, Irish and Middle Eastern covers of FIFA 14, alongside global cover star Lionel Messi. His ' heart ' goal celebration is featured in FIFA 14. Bale has endorsed several companies in his career and has current deals with Adidas, EA Sports, Lucozade and BT Sport. He receives a yearly salary of £ 15 million with Real Madrid, while his endorsements earn him an estimated £ 10 million per year. In March 2014, Bale was the first player to wear the Adidas F50 crazylight football boots. Philanthropy In November 2014, Bale appeared in FIFA 's `` 11 against Ebola '' campaign with a selection of top football players from around the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Xavi and African star Didier Drogba. Under the slogan `` Together, we can beat Ebola '', FIFA 's campaign was done in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football and health experts, with the players holding up eleven messages to raise awareness of the disease and ways to combat it. Golf Bale is a huge golf fan and has a replica of the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass in his back garden. His love of golf was blamed by the Spanish media as the reason why he has spent so much time out injured for Real Madrid. Honours Real Madrid La Liga : 2016 -- 17 Copa del Rey : 2013 -- 14 Supercopa de España : 2017 UEFA Champions League : 2013 -- 14, 2015 -- 16, 2016 -- 17, 2017 -- 18 UEFA Super Cup : 2014, 2017 FIFA Club World Cup : 2014, 2017 Individual Tottenham Hotspur Young Player of the Year : 2009 -- 10, 2010 -- 11 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 Manager Team of the Decade : 2015 Premier League Player of the Month : April 2010, January 2012, February 2013 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 FIFPro World XI 2nd team : 2013 FIFA FIFPro World XI 3rd team : 2014, 2016 FIFA FIFPro World XI 4th team : 2015 FIFA FIFPro World XI 5th team : 2017 FIFA Club World Cup Top goalscorer : 2014 BBC Wales Carwyn James Junior Sportsman of the Year : 2006 FAW Young Player of the Year : 2007 BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year : 2010 References ^ Jump up to : Hugman, Barry J., ed. ( 2010 ). The PFA Footballers ' Who 's Who 2010 -- 11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 31. ISBN 9781845966010. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid C.F. -- Official Web Site -- Gareth Bale ''. Realmadrid.com. 16 July 1989. Retrieved 17 April 2014. ^ Jump up to : Rollings, Grant. `` Bale Model ''. The Sun. News Group Newspapers. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2010. Jump up ^ `` Hall of Fame ''. Eglwys Newydd Primary School. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2010. Jump up ^ `` Bluebirds of a feather are flocking together ''. Wales Online. Media Wales. 8 December 2008. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2008. Jump up ^ `` Mentor 's advice to Gareth could come to fruition as foreign legion close in ''. Wales Online. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2010. ^ Jump up to : Harvey, Chris ( 31 January 2011 ). `` Gareth Bale interview : born to run ''. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 31 January 2011. Jump up ^ `` Powerleague Official Opening ''. Whitchurch High School. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` Pride at Cardiff school that developed Sam Warburton and Gareth Bale ''. The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. 13 October 2011. Jump up ^ Clutton, Graham ( 14 October 2011 ). `` Rugby World Cup 2011 : Cardiff - born Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton were stars from the start, reflects coach ''. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Jump up ^ `` Young Gareth made own rules ''. The Daily Echo. 13 January 2007. Jump up ^ Neil Moxley ( 24 October 2012 ). `` Daddy Bale stays at home as Tottenham face crucial test in Slovenia ''. Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 25 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Derby 2 Southampton 2 ''. Southampton FC. Archived from the original on 30 September 2006. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ `` Saints 2 Coventry 0 ''. Southampton FC. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ `` Saints 0 West Brom 0 ''. Southampton FC. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ `` Sunderland 1 Saints 1 ''. Southampton FC. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ `` Hull v Saints ''. Southampton FC. Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ Jeremy Wilson ( 18 December 2006 ). `` Bale Hailed as Saint 's saviour ''. Retrieved 18 March 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` Calzaghe scoops BBC Wales honour ''. BBC Sport. 3 December 2006. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ `` Prestige award for Bale ''. Southampton FC. Archived from the original on 7 March 2007. Retrieved 5 March 2007. Jump up ^ Leitch, Adam ( 11 May 2007 ). `` Introducing your Saints heroes... ''. Daily Echo : 20. Jump up ^ `` Southampton 1 -- 2 Derby ''. BBC Sport. 12 May 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2007. Jump up ^ `` Bale KO 'd for two weeks ''. Southern Daily Echo. Newsquest. 13 April 2007. Jump up ^ Hope, Craig ( 22 February 2014 ). `` West Ham and Southampton graduate XI... Featuring Walcott, Lampard, Ferdinand and Bale ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham complete Bale transfer ''. BBC Sport. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2010. Jump up ^ `` D'oh ! In 2008, Southampton Cashed in Their 25 % Gareth Bale Sell - On Clause For Just £ 3m ''. Who Ate all the Pies. 3 September 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ Mercer, Nathan ( 1 September 2007 ). `` Fulham 3 -- 3 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 September 2007. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 1 -- 3 Arsenal ''. BBC Sport. 15 September 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2009. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 2 -- 0 Middlesbrough ''. BBC Sport. 26 September 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2009. ^ Jump up to : Hytner, David ( 11 December 2007 ). `` Football : Bale out for at least three months ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 6 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Injury rules out Bale for season ''. BBC Sport. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2008. Jump up ^ McNulty, Phil ( 1 March 2009 ). `` Man Utd 0 -- 0 Tottenham ( aet ) ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Bale signs new Tottenham contract ''. BBC Sport. 13 August 2008. Retrieved 13 August 2008. Jump up ^ `` Player comparison -- Neymar vs Gareth Bale ''. Footballnews92. 22 March 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale could miss start of next season after knee surgery ''. The Guardian. 3 June 2009. Jump up ^ Wilson, Steve ( 15 January 2009 ). `` The curse of Tottenham 's Gareth Bale ''. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 10 May 2009. Jump up ^ Soneji, Pranav ( 9 May 2009 ). `` Everton 0 -- 0 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2009. Jump up ^ `` Report : Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley -- English Premier League ''. ESPN Soccernet. 26 September 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2009. Jump up ^ Hytner, David ( 13 January 2010 ). `` Tottenham manager challenges Gareth Bale to claim a starting place ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 3 May 2010. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 2 -- 0 Fulham ''. BBC Sport. 26 January 2010. Jump up ^ `` Gareth wins award ''. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 1 March 2010. Jump up ^ `` Unforgettable night ! ''. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 14 April 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010. Jump up ^ `` The dream derby double ! ''. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 17 April 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010. Jump up ^ `` Gareth named Player of the Month ''. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2010. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale signs new four - year Tottenham contract ''. BBC Sport. 7 May 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2010. Jump up ^ Lyon, Sam ( 21 August 2010 ). `` Stoke 1 -- 2 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 August 2010. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 4 -- 0 Young Boys ( agg 6 -- 3 ) ''. BBC Sport. 25 August 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2010. ^ Jump up to : `` Gareth Bale named Wales ' player of the year ''. BBC Sport. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 4 October 2010. Jump up ^ `` Inter Milan 4 -- 3 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. 20 October 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2010. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 3 -- 1 Inter Milan ''. BBC Sport. 2 November 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2010. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale wins BBC Wales Sports Personality award ''. BBC Sport. 6 December 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2013. Jump up ^ Lawton, Matt ( 4 November 2010 ). `` Gareth Bale : I 'm staying at Spurs as boss Harry Redknapp warns off Barcelona and Inter Milan ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 4 November 2010. Jump up ^ `` New deal for Bale ''. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Retrieved 19 March 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` Spurs ' Gareth Bale wins PFA player of the year award ''. BBC Sport. 17 April 2011. Retrieved 23 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Wigan 1 -- 2 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. 24 September 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 3 -- 1 QPR ''. BBC Sport. 30 October 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Fulham 1 -- 3 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. 6 November 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Twenty - five goals between 12 October to 21 December are ruled on ''. Premier League. 12 January 2012. Archived from the original on 16 January 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2012. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 3 -- 0 Bolton ''. BBC Sport. 3 December 2011. Retrieved 4 December 2011. Jump up ^ `` Norwich 0 -- 2 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. 27 December 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 3 -- 1 Wigan ''. BBC Sport. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers & Tottenham 's Gareth Bale rewarded ''. BBC Sport. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` New Contract For Gareth ''. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012. Jump up ^ Taylor, Daniel ( 28 September 2012 ). `` Tottenham 's future looks bright... just give us time, says Gareth Bale ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 5 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale to change squad number ''. Sports Mole. 1 August 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2013. Jump up ^ `` Reading 1 -- 3 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. 16 September 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012. Jump up ^ Taylor, Daniel ( 29 September 2012 ). `` Tottenham Hotspur 's Gareth Bale banishes Manchester United hoodoo ''. The Observer. Retrieved 13 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Aston Villa 0 -- 4 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. 26 December 2012. Retrieved 26 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 3 -- 0 Coventry City ''. BBC Sport. 5 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013. Jump up ^ Monaghan, Matt ( 30 January 2013 ). `` Norwich 1 -- 1 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` West Brom 0 -- 1 Tottenham ''. 3 February 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 2 -- 1 Newcastle ''. BBC Sport. 9 February 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 2 -- 1 Lyon ''. BBC Sport. 14 February 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` West Ham 2 -- 3 Tottenham ''. BBC Sport. 25 February 2013. Retrieved 26 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur beat Arsenal ''. Sports Illustrated. 3 March 2013. Archived from the original on 6 March 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2013. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 3 -- 0 Inter Milan ''. BBC Sport. 7 March 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2013. Jump up ^ `` Spurs double up with Barclays monthly awards ''. Premier League. 1 March 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2013. Jump up ^ Nathans, Dan ( 23 May 2013 ). `` BBC Match of the Day 's Goals of the Season ''. FTBpro. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale injury is ' hopefully not too bad ', says André Villas - Boas ''. The Guardian. 4 April 2013. Jump up ^ Wilson, Jeremy ( 21 April 2013 ). `` Tottenham Hotspur 3 Manchester City 1 ''. The Telegraph. ^ Jump up to : `` Gareth Bale wins PFA Player of Year and Young Player awards ''. BBC Sport. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale named Player of the Year by Football Writers ''. BBC Sport. 2 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` Tottenham 1 -- 0 Sunderland ''. BBC Sport. 19 May 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Club announcement ''. Tottenham Hotspur. 1 September 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale joins Real Madrid from Spurs in £ 85m world record deal ''. 1 September 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2018. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid Sign Midfielder Gareth Bale For World - Record $132 Million ''. CBS News New York. 2 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013. Jump up ^ Wilson, Jeremy ( 2 September 2013 ). `` Gareth Bale joins Real Madrid from Tottenham for a world record fee of £ 86m ''. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2 September 2013. Jump up ^ Peck, Brooks ( 1 September 2013 ). `` Gareth Bale finally sold to Real Madrid and it 's even FIFA 14 official ''. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 7 September 2013. Jump up ^ Agence France - Presse ( 2 September 2013 ). `` Cristiano Ronaldo is the boss at Real Madrid, says Gareth Bale ''. Sports.ndtv.com. Retrieved 7 September 2013. Jump up ^ AS Diarioas ( 6 September 2013 ). `` Real Madrid tell CR7 : `` You 're still the most expensive player ever '' ``. AS.com. Retrieved 7 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Bale transfer fee revealed ''. FIFA.com. 15 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale contract leak sparks panic at Real Madrid -- and agent 's fury '' ( 21 January 2016 ). The Telegraph. 21 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Official : Pogba signs for Man Utd for € 105m ''. Football Italia. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale : Real Madrid star will keep his feet firmly on the ground ''. BBC Sport. 1 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Seventh Match That Misses Bale ''. Soccerly. 22 December 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale set to be on bench for Real Madrid 's clash with Celta Vigo ''. dnaindia.com. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014. Jump up ^ `` Villarreal v Real Madrid -- live ! ''. The Guardian. 14 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Galatasaray 1 Real Madrid 6 : Bale shines from the bench but Ronaldo steals the show with ANOTHER hat - trick ''. Daily Mail. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 30 September 2013 ). `` Real Madrid 0 Atletico Madrid 1 : Bale tastes defeat on home debut ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 6 November 2013. Jump up ^ Kent, David ( 2 October 2013 ). `` Real fears over Bale as £ 86m man struggles with thigh problem ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 6 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 19 October 2013 ). `` Real Madrid 2 Malaga 0 : Bale wins late penalty on return from injury to seal win ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 6 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 23 October 2013 ). `` Real Madrid 2 Juventus 1 : Ronaldo at the double as Ancelotti 's men see off Juve to keep winning run going ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 6 November 2013. Jump up ^ Lowe, Sid ( 27 October 2013 ). `` Gareth Bale gets lost in the middle as Real Madrid falter at Barcelona ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 6 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 31 October 2013 ). `` Madrid hail Cannon Bale after Real 's new Galactico announces himself at last with deadly double on his Berna bow ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 31 October 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 2 November 2013 ). `` Rayo Vallecano 2 Real Madrid 3 : Bale stars with two assists as Ronaldo 's double helps Ancelotti 's side survive scare for victory ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 12 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 5 November 2013 ). `` Juventus 2 Real Madrid 2 : Bale on target again but Llorente header denies Ronaldo victory on 100th Champions League outing ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 12 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 9 November 2013 ). `` Real Madrid 5 Real Sociedad 1 : Ronaldo hits back at Blatter 's jibes with another hat - trick ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 26 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 23 November 2013 ). `` Almeria 0 Real Madrid 5 : Happy couple Bale and Ronaldo both score in romp... but Portugal ace has to come off in injury scare ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 26 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jenson, Pete ( 27 November 2013 ). `` Real Madrid 4 Galatasaray 1 : Bale shows injured Ronaldo how it 's done with stunning free - kick as 10 - man hosts ease to victory ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 29 November 2013. Jump up ^ Lowe, Sid ( 30 November 2013 ). `` Real Madrid 's Gareth Bale nets hat - trick against Real Valladolid ''. The Observer. Retrieved 29 May 2014. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 's Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale tear Schalke apart ''. The Guardian. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 3 -- 0 Borussia Dortmund ''. BBC. 2 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 5 -- 0 Rayo Vallecano ''. BBC. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Real Sociedad 0 -- 4 Real Madrid ''. BBC. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 4 -- 0 Almería ''. BBC. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` Gareth Bale : Copa del Rey winner incredible, says Xabi Alonso ''. BBC. 16 April 2014. ^ Jump up to : Jurejko, Jonathan ( 16 April 2014 ). `` Gareth Bale helps Real Madrid beat Barcelona in Copa del Rey ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 April 2014. ^ Jump up to : Collett, Mike ( 24 May 2014 ). `` Ronaldo first to score for two different European Cup winners ''. Reuters. Retrieved 25 May 2014. Jump up ^ `` Player profile -- Gareth Bale ''. ESPN. Retrieved 26 May 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` 200 goals for the BBC ''. RealMadrid.com. 24 October 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Cristiano Ronaldo flaunts Real Madrid pedigree in defeat of Sevilla ''. The Guardian. London. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014. Jump up ^ Winter, Henry ( 13 August 2014 ). `` Gareth Bale hails Real Madrid 's statement of intent to scoop six trophies after Uefa Super Cup success ''. The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 13 August 2014. Jump up ^ `` Real Sociedad 4 -- 2 Real Madrid ''. BBC Sport. 31 August 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2014. Jump up ^ Fenn, Alec ( 20 September 2014 ). `` Deportivo 2 -- 8 Real Madrid : Ronaldo hits hat - trick in devastating Blancos display ''. GOAL.COM. Retrieved 14 February 2015. Jump up ^ `` Deportivo 2 Real Madrid 8 ''. BBC Sport. 20 September 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Real Madrid 2 -- 0 San Lorenzo ''. BBC. Retrieved 20 December 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale booed by Real Madrid fans for not passing to Cristiano Ronaldo ''. The Independent. 11 January 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2015. Jump up ^ Prescott, Daniel ( 3 February 2015 ). `` Gareth Bale defended by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti as minority of fans continue to boo former Tottenham ace ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 13 February 2015. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 's Gareth Bale set to miss Champions League tie with Atlético Madrid ''. The Guardian. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2015. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 10 -- 2 Rayo Vallecano ''. BBC. 20 December 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid and Gareth Bale give Zinedine Zidane the perfect start ''. The Guardian. 9 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale damaged calf muscle in Real Madrid 's win over Sporting Gijón ''. The Guardian. 19 January 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2016. Jump up ^ Simeon Gholam ( 4 March 2016 ). `` Gareth Bale set to return from injury for Real Madrid ''. Sky Sports. Retrieved 5 March 2016. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 7 -- 1 Celta de Vigo ''. BBC. 5 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2016. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 4 -- 0 Sevilla ''. BBC. 20 March 2016. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 's Gareth Bale scores late winner against Rayo Vallecano ''. The Guardian. 23 April 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Spot - on Real Madrid defeat Atlético in final again ''. uefa.com. 28 May 2016. Jump up ^ `` Official Announcement : Bale ''. realmadrid.com. 30 October 2016. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid 's Gareth Bale facing four months out after ankle injury revealed to be worse than expected ''. The Independent. 2 December 2016. Jump up ^ `` Leo Messi revives La Liga title race with dramatic Clasico win over Real Madrid ''. ESPN FC. 23 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017. Jump up ^ `` El Real Madrid, campeón de LaLiga Santander 2016 / 17 ''. laliga.es. 21 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid win La Liga title with victory at Malaga ''. bbc.com. 21 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` Majestic Real Madrid win Champions League in Cardiff ''. uefa.com. 3 June 2017. Jump up ^ Gonzalez, Roger ( 26 May 2018 ). `` Real Madrid vs. Liverpool : Gareth Bale scored one of the greatest goals in Champions League history in the final ''. CBS Sports. Retrieved 26 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Bale named Champions League final man of the match ''. UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 26 May 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid v Liverpool -- Story of the match ''. BT Sport. Press Association. 26 May 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Bale savours record Wales debut ''. BBC Sport. 28 May 2006. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ `` Wales 2 -- 1 Trinidad & Tobago ''. BBC Sport. 27 May 2006. Retrieved 14 January 2016. Jump up ^ `` Injured Bale out for three months ''. BBC Sport. 10 December 2007. Retrieved 21 October 2010. Jump up ^ `` The £ 10 million man ''. Wales Online. Retrieved 7 March 2016. Jump up ^ Davies, Sean ( 7 October 2006 ). `` Wales 1 -- 5 Slovakia ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 January 2007. Jump up ^ `` Bale : I could have played for England but playing for Wales is an honour ''. Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. 3 August 2007. Retrieved 2 November 2010. Jump up ^ `` Riise : Bale is world 's best left winger ''. ESPN Soccernet. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2016. Jump up ^ `` Fabio -- Bale is world 's best ''. Sky Sports. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` Gareth Bale has everything says Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp ''. BBC Sport. 28 December 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011. Jump up ^ `` Wales whimper in Helsinki ''. Sky Sports. 10 October 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2011. Jump up ^ `` Liechtenstein 0 -- 2 Wales ''. BBC Sport. 14 October 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2011. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale wins BBC Wales Sports Personality award ''. BBC Sport. 6 December 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Wales 2 Scotland 1 ''. BBC Sport. 12 October 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` China 0 -- 6 Wales : Gareth Bale breaks scoring record in Ryan Giggs ' first match as manager ''. Sky Sports. 22 March 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2018. Jump up ^ `` Andorra 1 -- 2 Wales ''. BBC Sport. 9 September 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2014. Jump up ^ `` '' Worst pitch I 've played on '' says Bale ``. ITV News. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2014. Jump up ^ `` Israel 0 -- 3 Wales : Aaron Ramsey and a Gareth Bale double lead Chris Coleman 's side to the summit of Group B ''. dailymail.co.uk. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015. Jump up ^ `` Wales 1 -- 0 Belgium ''. BBC Sport. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015. Jump up ^ `` Cyprus 0 -- 1 Wales ''. BBC Sport. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2015. Jump up ^ `` Wales 2 -- 0 Andorra ''. BBC. 13 October 2015. Jump up ^ `` Euro 2016 : Wales homecoming ' very special ', says Gareth Bale ''. BBC Sport. 8 July 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2018. Jump up ^ Voakes, Kris ( 11 June 2016 ). `` Kanu Believe It ? Wales & Bale make history after 58 years of pain ''. Goal. Retrieved 11 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` Euro 2016 : Wales 2 Slovakia 1 ''. South Wales Argus. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` England 2 -- 1 Wales -- BBC Sport ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 June 2016. Jump up ^ Sid Lowe ( 20 June 2016 ). `` Gareth Bale clocks on and clicks into gear to lead Wales ' charge against Russia ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 11 July 2016. Jump up ^ Long, Sam ( 25 June 2016 ). `` Wales beat Northern Ireland to reach Euro 2016 quarter - finals as Gareth Bale forces Gareth McAuley own goal ''. Evening Standard. Retrieved 26 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` Euro 2016 : Gareth Bale & Joe Allen react to Wales 's semi-final defeat ''. BBC. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016. Jump up ^ James, Stuart ( 5 September 2016 ). `` Gareth Bale will break Ian Rush 's Wales record this campaign, says Coleman ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 9 September 2016. Jump up ^ Draper, Rob ( 26 December 2010 ). `` Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale move closer to Olympic contention with Great Britain team ''. Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 30 December 2010. Jump up ^ Pearce, James ( 28 October 2011 ). `` London 2012 : Gareth Bale wears Olympic football shirt ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 October 2011. Jump up ^ Kelso, Paul ( 29 June 2012 ). `` London 2012 Olympics : Gareth Bale pulls out of Stuart Pearce 's Great Britain squad with injury ''. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` London 2012 : Gareth Bale ruled out of Team GB action, say reports ''. guardian.co.uk. Guardian News and Media. 30 June 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Olympic absentee Gareth Bale scores for Spurs in friendly ''. BBC Sport. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` LA Galaxy 1 -- 1 Spurs : All Square in LA ''. Tottenham Hotspur. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Red Bulls 1 -- 2 Spurs : Gylfi Strikes Goal - D in New York ! ''. Tottenham Hotspur. 31 July 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale calls Charlie Adam a coward for bad tackle ''. BBC Sport. 30 July 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale faces Spurs ban during Olympics for making club return after withdrawing from Team GB squad ''. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ Johnson, Simon ( 25 July 2012 ). `` Andre Villas - Boas defiant as Gareth Bale plays for Spurs after Olympics snub ''. London Evening Standard. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` London 2012 absentee Gareth Bale ' should not be banned ' ''. BBC Sport. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Club Statement -- Gareth Bale ''. Tottenham Hotspur FC. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2012. Jump up ^ `` Liga -- Gareth Bale crowned world 's fastest player ''. Eurosport. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Gareth Bale, l'uomo da 100 milioni di euro '' ( Gareth Bale, the 100 million Euro man ) ( in Italian ). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 28 July 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2015. ^ Jump up to : Fleming, Mark ( 4 November 2010 ). `` Strength, skill, stamina, speed. How do you stop Gareth Bale ? ''. The Independent. Retrieved 11 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale far from done at Madrid ''. Football España. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ David Cartlidge ( 2 December 2016 ). `` FourFourTwo 's Best 100 Football Players in the World 2016 : No. 6 -- Gareth Bale ''. FourFourTwo. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ Matt Hughes ( 3 November 2010 ). `` An anatomy of Gareth Bale ''. The Times. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo, says Jeff Stelling ''. Sky Sports. 7 February 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2018. ^ Jump up to : Graham Hunter ( 7 November 2017 ). `` Gareth Bale is the solution to, not the cause of, Real Madrid 's struggles ''. ESPN FC. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` The secret behind Bale 's free - kick prowess that can be traced back to baseball a century ago ''. dailymail.co.uk. Mailonline. 16 February 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` Baleistic : ANOTHER brace from winger as last - gasp rocket sparks ugly scenes between Spurs and Lyon benches ''. dailymail.co.uk. Mailonline. 14 February 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale produced another moment of magic to keep Tottenham on course for next season 's Champions League and leave his former club Southampton still uncertain of Premier League survival ''. bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013. Jump up ^ Walker, Michael ( 24 November 2011 ). `` All hail Tottenham and Wales wing wizard, Gareth Bale... so good, they mark him twice ''. dailymail.co.uk. Mailonline. Retrieved 11 May 2013. ^ Jump up to : Guillem Balagué ( 28 September 2017 ). `` Gareth Bale will be back at his blistering best in no time ''. AS.com. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale kills Internazionale again in Champions League ''. guardian.co.uk. Guardian News and Media. 3 November 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2010. Jump up ^ `` Mourinho : Spurs fullback Bale better than Chelsea 's Cole ''. Tribalfootball. 7 March 2009. Retrieved 7 March 2009. Jump up ^ `` Croatia coach : Bale better than Giggs ever was ''. GiveMeFootball. GMF Media. 18 October 2012. Retrieved 20 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Bale fits the bill for Barcelona as Alves insists Spurs winger would sizzle in Spain ''. Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale -- Tottenham Hotspur 's Speed King ''. Nasty Tackle. 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2012. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale : why Inter are going to bid £ 40m for Tottenham star ''. The Guardian. 27 January 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2011. Jump up ^ Winter, Henry ( 29 December 2011 ). `` Tottenham Hotspur 's Gareth Bale flourishing in inside role as club chase Premier League glory ''. The Daily Telegraph. Jump up ^ `` Bale relishing new role ''. BSkyB. 28 December 2011. Jump up ^ `` Bale savouring free role at Tottenham ''. FOX. 13 March 2013. Archived from the original on 9 February 2014. Jump up ^ Dermot Corrigan ( 18 May 2016 ). `` Carlo Ancelotti : I was asked to change Gareth Bale role at Real Madrid ''. ESPN FC. Retrieved 16 August 2016. Jump up ^ Juan I. García - Ochoa ( 14 August 2013 ). `` Chris Coleman : `` Bale is a super-player '' ``. Marca.com. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ Michael Cox ( 23 May 2014 ). `` How moving back helped Gareth Bale move forward at Real Madrid ''. FourFourTwo. Retrieved 16 August 2016. Jump up ^ Guillem Balague ( 6 May 2015 ). `` Carlo Ancelotti tactics rather than Gareth Bale to blame for Real Madrid 's defeat at Juventus, says Guillem Balague ''. Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 August 2016. Jump up ^ Martin Laurence ( 6 August 2015 ). `` What is Gareth Bale 's best position for Real Madrid ? ''. Sky Sports. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` Redknapp : Gareth Bale is the best player in the world ''. Marca.com. 11 September 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` Cristiano Ronaldo and the top 20 heading heroes of European football ''. The Telegraph. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` Bale bags header against Almería ''. Marca.com. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ Ian Carbis ( 15 January 2016 ). `` Why Gareth Bale is officially head and shoulders above Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney ''. Wales Online. Retrieved 4 January 2018. ^ Jump up to : Fabrizio Salvio ( 4 May 2016 ). `` Bale, quattro gol in 10 giorni : è tornato grande. E il Real se lo tiene stretto '' ( Bale, four goals in 10 days : he 's become great again. And Real are keeping him close ) ( in Italian ). La Gazzetta dello Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ `` Teams with a head for goals ''. La Liga. 9 March 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ Dermot Corrigan ( 13 November 2017 ). `` Breaking down Bale 's injury - plagued Real Madrid career season by season ''. ESPN FC. Retrieved 4 January 2018. Jump up ^ Jason Burt ( 3 November 2010 ). `` Harry Redknapp pours praise on ' fantastic ' Gareth Bale and insists he is not for sale ''. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Jump up ^ `` Van der Vaart : Bale ' killed ' Maicon in Spurs win ''. Soccernet. ESPN. 2 November 2010. Retrieved 22 December 2011. Jump up ^ Christenson, Marcus ( 3 November 2010 ). `` Gareth Bale hailed by European press for ' destroying ' Maicon ''. guardian.co.uk. Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 4 November 2010. Jump up ^ Winter, Henry ( 29 December 2011 ). `` Tottenham Hotspur 's Gareth Bale flourishing in inside role as club chase Premier League glory ''. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 2 January 2012. Jump up ^ Ladyman, Ian ( 10 April 2012 ). `` EXCLUSIVE : When United pulled clear of City I wanted to cry... Richards reveals torment ''. Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 11 April 2012. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale in Ronaldo and Messi 's class, says Redknapp ''. BBC Sport. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Liverpool top the diving league, but Gareth Bale is worst offender ''. The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` How can football solve a problem like diving ? ''. guardian.co.uk. Guardian News and Media. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` I 'm a ducker not a diver, says Bale despite two yellow cards for simulation this season ''. Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. 8 March 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale is not a diver, insists Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp ''. guardian.co.uk. Guardian News and Media. 2 March 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Wales v Scotland : Gareth Bale is not a diver, insists manager Chris Coleman, after 2 -- 1 World Cup qualifying win ''. The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. 12 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` I 'm no diver, says Tottenham star Gareth Bale ''. news.com.au. 30 December 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Everton manager Roberto Martinez wants end to diving ''. BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 January 2014. Jump up ^ `` ESPN World Fame 100 ''. ESPN. 3 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` The 100 best footballers in the world 2016 -- interactive ''. The Guardian. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2017. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale All time playing career ''. Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 August 2013. ^ Jump up to : Gareth Bale at Soccerway. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale withdraws from Tottenham match as partner goes into labour ''. Wales Online. 20 October 2012. Jump up ^ Parrish, Charlie ( 21 November 2014 ). `` Gareth Bale : ' Without Real Madrid, it would have been very, very difficult to have ever left Spurs ' ''. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 21 November 2014. Jump up ^ Joel, Don ( 29 June 2016 ). `` Gareth Bale reveals the emotion of being reunited with his daughter in pictures that endeared him to the world ''. Wales Online. Retrieved 18 March 2018. Jump up ^ `` Wales footballer Gareth Bale welcomes second daughter ''. BBC News. Retrieved 22 March 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale : Wales and Real Madrid star gets engaged ''. BBC News. 17 July 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016. Jump up ^ Joel, Don ( 9 March 2018 ). `` Gareth Bale reveals he is expecting third child with fiancée ''. Instagram. Retrieved 22 April 2018. Jump up ^ Malone, Sam ( 27 March 2013 ). `` Gareth : ' I ca n't stand the booze ' ''. Wales Online. Retrieved 22 March 2018. Jump up ^ Fifield, Dominic ( 11 June 2016 ). `` Danny Rose 's insight on Gareth Bale sends shivers down England spines ''. The Observer. Retrieved 22 March 2018. Jump up ^ Trotman, Andrew ( 7 May 2013 ). `` Gareth Bale plans to put ' heart ' goal celebration on clothing after filing trademark ''. Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale Stars With Lionel Messi on the FIFA 14 Cover ''. EA Sports. 11 July 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2013. Jump up ^ `` Fifa 14 celebrations : How to do Gareth Bale, Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi 's signature moves ''. Daily Mirror. Retrieved 8 September 2014. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale shows off the lightest football boot ever made ''. Daily Mirror. Retrieved 4 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Bale signs new three - year deal... with BT as Spurs ace lines up punditry role ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 4 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale signs £ 300,000 A WEEK six - year deal with Real Madrid ''. Daily Mirror. Retrieved 4 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Brand Bale ! Spurs forward follows Beckham and Ronaldo after trademarking ' Eleven of Hearts ' goal celebration ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 4 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale could earn £ 25 MILLION a year in total as Madrid falls in love with Wales star ''. Daily Mirror. Retrieved 4 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Bale goes crazy for his new boots ! Real Madrid ace ' ca n't wait ' to test new wheels ''. Daily Mail. Retrieved 4 June 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` Top players, FIFA, CAF and health experts unite against Ebola ''. FIFA.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015. Jump up ^ Inglis, Martin ( 11 October 2017 ). `` Golf blamed for Gareth Bale 's injury woes ''. bunkered. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid CF -- Squad ''. UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Archived from the original on 7 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017. Jump up ^ `` Real Madrid CF -- Squad ''. UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Retrieved 8 August 2017. Jump up ^ `` Gareth, Daws scoop awards ''. Tottenham Hotspur FC. 3 May 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale Tottenham Hotspur News and Supporters Forum ''. Tottenhamhotspurs.tv. 16 July 1989. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` UEFA.com users ' Team of the Year 2011 revealed ''. uefa.com. UEFA. 18 January 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2013. Jump up ^ `` UEFA.com users ' Team of the Year 2013 revealed ''. UEFA.com. Jump up ^ `` UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season ''. uefa.com. 30 May 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale retains FA of Wales player of the year award ''. BBC Sport. 4 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Bale wins Welsh player award ''. The Daily Express. 7 October 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale wins Welsh player award for record fourth time ''. BBC Sport. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2014. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale : Real Madrid forward named Welsh player of the year ''. BBC Sport. 5 October 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2015. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale and Joe Allen lead Wales award winners ''. BBC Sport. 8 November 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2016. Jump up ^ `` ESM - Top - 11 : Nur Torres und Ivanovic durchbrechen Bundesliga - Phalanx ''. Kicker ( in German ). 12 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Winners announced for The Football League Awards 2015 ''. The Football League. Retrieved 22 April 2015. Jump up ^ `` Bale scoops Player of the Month award ''. Premier League. 30 April 2010. Archived from the original on 3 May 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2010. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale & Andre Villas - Boas earn player and manager awards ''. bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2013. Jump up ^ `` Ronaldo secures PFA awards double ''. BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 23 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Arsenal striker Robin van Persie named PFA Player of the Year ''. BBC Sport. 22 April 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2018. Jump up ^ `` Bale named FWA Footballer of the Year ''. Football Writers ' Association. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` Premier League awards for Ferguson & Bale ''. Premier League. 17 May 2013. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014. Jump up ^ `` FifPro announces reserve Teams of the Year -- but Luis Suarez and Arjen Robben wo n't be laughing while Iker Casillas is somehow named the second best goalkeeper of 2013 ''. Independent.co.uk. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` FIFA FIFPro World XI : the reserve teams -- FIFPro World Players ' Union ''. FIFPro.org. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2016 World 11 : the reserve teams -- FIFPro World Players ' Union ''. FIFPro.org. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2015 World XI : the Reserve Teams -- FIFPro World Players ' Union ''. FIFPro.org. 11 January 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2016 -- 2017 World 11 : the Reserve Teams -- FIFPro World Players ' Union ''. FIFPro.org. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` 17th Football Presentation Awards Evening ''. Football Association of Wales. 13 November 2007. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008. Jump up ^ `` Gareth Bale wins BBC Wales Sports Personality award ''. BBC Sport. 6 December 2010. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gareth Bale. Wikinews has news related to : Gareth Bale Real Madrid profile Gareth Bale -- UEFA competition record Gareth Bale -- FIFA competition record Premier League profile Gareth Bale at ESPN FC Gareth Bale at Soccerbase Gareth Bale at National-Football-Teams.com Real Madrid C.F. -- current squad 1 Navas 2 Carvajal 3 Vallejo 4 Ramos ( c ) 5 Varane 6 Nacho 8 Kroos 9 Benzema 10 Modrić 11 Bale 12 Marcelo 13 Casilla 14 Casemiro 15 Theo 17 Vázquez 18 Llorente 20 Asensio 21 Mayoral 22 Isco 23 Kovačić 24 Ceballos 30 Luca -- Coentrão -- De Tomás -- Lunin -- Odriozola -- Ødegaard -- Valverde -- Vinícius Jr. Head coach : Lopetegui Awards 2006 -- 07 Football League Championship PFA Team of the Year GK : Murray DF : Alexander DF : Moore DF : Davies DF : Bale MF : Edwards MF : Whitehead MF : Koumas MF : McSheffrey FW : Chopra FW : Kamara 2010 -- 11 Premier League PFA Team of the Year GK : Van der Sar DF : Sagna DF : Vidić DF : Kompany DF : Cole MF : Nani MF : Nasri MF : Wilshere MF : Bale FW : Tevez FW : Berbatov 2011 -- 12 Premier League PFA Team of the Year GK : Hart DF : Walker DF : Kompany DF : Coloccini DF : Baines MF : Silva MF : Touré MF : Parker MF : Bale FW : Van Persie FW : Rooney 2012 -- 13 Premier League PFA Team of the Year GK : De Gea DF : Zabaleta DF : Vertonghen DF : Ferdinand DF : Baines MF : Bale MF : Mata MF : Carrick MF : Hazard FW : Van Persie FW : Suárez 2011 UEFA Team of the Year GK : Iker Casillas RB : Dani Alves CB : Gerard Piqué CB : Thiago Silva LB : Marcelo MF : Arjen Robben MF : Xavi MF : Andrés Iniesta MF : Gareth Bale FW : Lionel Messi FW : Cristiano Ronaldo 2013 UEFA Team of the Year GK : Manuel Neuer RB : Philipp Lahm CB : Thiago Silva CB : Sergio Ramos LB : David Alaba MF : Gareth Bale MF : Marco Reus MF : Mesut Özil MF : Franck Ribéry FW : Zlatan Ibrahimović FW : Cristiano Ronaldo FWA Footballer of the Year 1948 : Matthews 1949 : Carey 1950 : Mercer 1951 : Johnston 1952 : Wright 1953 : Lofthouse 1954 : Finney 1955 : Revie 1956 : Trautmann 1957 : Finney 1958 : Blanchflower 1959 : Owen 1960 : Slater 1961 : Blanchflower 1962 : Adamson 1963 : Matthews 1964 : Moore 1965 : Collins 1966 : R. Charlton 1967 : J. Charlton 1968 : Best 1969 : Book & Mackay 1970 : Bremner 1971 : McLintock 1972 : Banks 1973 : Jennings 1974 : Callaghan 1975 : Mullery 1976 : Keegan 1977 : Hughes 1978 : Burns 1979 : Dalglish 1980 : McDermott 1981 : Thijssen 1982 : Perryman 1983 : Dalglish 1984 : Rush 1985 : Southall 1986 : Lineker 1987 : Allen 1988 : Barnes 1989 : Nicol 1990 : Barnes 1991 : Strachan 1992 : Lineker 1993 : Waddle 1994 : Shearer 1995 : Klinsmann 1996 : Cantona 1997 : Zola 1998 : Bergkamp 1999 : Ginola 2000 : Keane 2001 : Sheringham 2002 : Pirès 2003 : Henry 2004 : Henry 2005 : Lampard 2006 : Henry 2007 : Ronaldo 2008 : Ronaldo 2009 : Gerrard 2010 : Rooney 2011 : Parker 2012 : Van Persie 2013 : Bale 2014 : Suárez 2015 : Hazard 2016 : Vardy 2017 : Kanté 2018 : Salah PFA Players ' Player of the Year 1974 : Hunter 1975 : Todd 1976 : Jennings 1977 : Gray 1978 : Shilton 1979 : Brady 1980 : McDermott 1981 : Wark 1982 : Keegan 1983 : Dalglish 1984 : Rush 1985 : Reid 1986 : Lineker 1987 : Allen 1988 : Barnes 1989 : Hughes 1990 : Platt 1991 : Hughes 1992 : Pallister 1993 : McGrath 1994 : Cantona 1995 : Shearer 1996 : Ferdinand 1997 : Shearer 1998 : Bergkamp 1999 : Ginola 2000 : Keane 2001 : Sheringham 2002 : Van Nistelrooy 2003 : Henry 2004 : Henry 2005 : Terry 2006 : Gerrard 2007 : Ronaldo 2008 : Ronaldo 2009 : Giggs 2010 : Rooney 2011 : Bale 2012 : Van Persie 2013 : Bale 2014 : Suárez 2015 : Hazard 2016 : Mahrez 2017 : Kanté 2018 : Salah PFA Young Player of the Year 1974 : Beattie 1975 : Day 1976 : Barnes 1977 : Gray 1978 : Woodcock 1979 : Regis 1980 : Hoddle 1981 : Shaw 1982 : Moran 1983 : Rush 1984 : Walsh 1985 : Hughes 1986 : Cottee 1987 : Adams 1988 : Gascoigne 1989 : Merson 1990 : Le Tissier 1991 : Sharpe 1992 : Giggs 1993 : Giggs 1994 : Cole 1995 : Fowler 1996 : Fowler 1997 : Beckham 1998 : Owen 1999 : Anelka 2000 : Kewell 2001 : Gerrard 2002 : Bellamy 2003 : Jenas 2004 : Parker 2005 : Rooney 2006 : Rooney 2007 : Ronaldo 2008 : Fàbregas 2009 : Young 2010 : Milner 2011 : Wilshere 2012 : Walker 2013 : Bale 2014 : Hazard 2015 : Kane 2016 : Alli 2017 : Alli 2018 : Sané The Football League Young Player of the Year 2006 : Nugent 2007 : Bale 2008 : Kightly 2009 : Delph 2010 : Clyne 2011 : Wickham 2012 : Zaha 2013 : Ince 2014 : Hughes 2015 : Alli 2016 : Cook 2017 : Watkins 2018 : Sessegnon Premier League Player of the Season 1995 : Shearer 1996 : Schmeichel 1997 : Juninho 1998 : Owen 1999 : Yorke 2000 : Phillips 2001 : Vieira 2002 : Ljungberg 2003 : Van Nistelrooy 2004 : Henry 2005 : Lampard 2006 : Henry 2007 : Ronaldo 2008 : Ronaldo 2009 : Vidić 2010 : Rooney 2011 : Vidić 2012 : Kompany 2013 : Bale 2014 : Suárez 2015 : Hazard 2016 : Vardy 2017 : Kanté 2018 : Salah Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Player of the Year 1987 : Mabbutt 1988 : Waddle 1989 : Thorstvedt 1990 : Gascoigne 1991 : Allen 1992 : Lineker 1993 : Anderton 1994 : Klinsmann 1995 : Sheringham 1996 : Campbell 1997 : Campbell 1998 : Ginola 1999 : Carr 2000 : Carr 2001 : Sullivan 2002 : Davies 2003 : Keane 2004 : Defoe 2005 : Award not given 2006 : Keane 2007 : Berbatov 2008 : Keane 2009 : Lennon 2010 : Dawson 2011 : Modrić 2012 : Parker 2013 : Bale 2014 : Eriksen 2015 : Kane 2016 : Alderweireld 2017 : Eriksen 2018 : Vertonghen Welsh Footballer of the Year 1993 : Hughes 1994 : Hughes 1996 : Giggs 1998 : Hartson 1999 : Jones 2000 : Robinson 2001 : Hartson 2002 : Davies 2003 : Hartson 2004 : Earnshaw 2005 : Gabbidon 2006 : Giggs 2007 : Bellamy 2008 : Davies 2009 : Williams 2010 : Bale 2011 : Bale 2012 : Allen 2013 : Bale 2014 : Bale 2015 : Bale 2016 : Bale 2017 : Gunter BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year 1954 Ken Jones 1955 John Disley 1956 Joe Erskine 1957 Dai Rees 1958 Howard Winstone 1959 Graham Moore 1960 Brian Curvis 1961 Bryn Meredith 1962 Ivor Allchurch 1963 Howard Winstone 1964 Lynn Davies 1965 Clive Rowlands 1966 Lynn Davies 1967 Howard Winstone 1968 Martyn Woodroffe 1969 Tony Lewis 1970 David Broome 1971 John Dawes, the Wales national rugby union team & the Welsh Lions 1972 Richard Meade 1973 Berwyn Price 1974 Gareth Edwards 1975 Arfon Griffiths 1976 Mervyn Davies & the Wales national rugby union team 1977 Phil Bennett 1978 Johnny Owen 1979 Terry Griffiths 1980 Duncan Evans 1981 John Toshack 1982 Steve Barry 1983 Colin Jones 1984 Ian Rush 1985 Steve Jones 1986 Kirsty Wade 1987 Ian Woosnam 1988 Colin Jackson 1989 Stephen Dodd 1990 Ian Woosnam 1991 Ian Woosnam 1992 Tanni Grey 1993 Colin Jackson 1994 Steve Robinson 1995 Neville Southall 1996 Ryan Giggs 1997 Scott Gibbs 1998 Iwan Thomas 1999 Colin Jackson 2000 Tanni Grey - Thompson 2001 Joe Calzaghe 2002 Mark Hughes 2003 Nicole Cooke 2004 Tanni Grey - Thompson 2005 Gareth Thomas 2006 Joe Calzaghe 2007 Joe Calzaghe 2008 Shane Williams 2009 Ryan Giggs 2010 Gareth Bale 2011 Chaz Davies 2012 Jade Jones 2013 Leigh Halfpenny 2014 Geraint Thomas 2015 Dan Biggar 2016 Jade Jones 2017 Jonathan Davies Wales squad -- UEFA Euro 2016 semi-finalists 1 Hennessey 2 Gunter 3 Taylor 4 Davies 5 Chester 6 A. Williams ( c ) 7 Allen 8 King 9 Robson - Kanu 10 Ramsey 11 Bale 12 Fôn Williams 13 G. Williams 14 Edwards 15 Richards 16 Ledley 17 Cotterill 18 Vokes 19 Collins 20 J. Williams 21 Ward 22 Vaughan 23 Church Coach : Coleman ISNI : 0000 0003 6651 9238 LCCN : no2012021559 NKC : xx0205898 VIAF : 232067524 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gareth_Bale&oldid=850167586 '' Categories : 1989 births Living people Footballers from Cardiff Welsh footballers Welsh expatriate footballers Wales youth international footballers Wales under - 21 international footballers Wales international footballers Association football defenders Association football wingers Association football utility players Southampton F.C. players Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players Real Madrid C.F. players Expatriate footballers in Spain Welsh expatriates in Spain Premier League players English Football League players La Liga players People educated at Whitchurch High School UEFA Euro 2016 players UEFA Champions League winning players Hidden categories : All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from December 2017 Articles with permanently dead external links CS1 Italian - language sources ( it ) Soccerway template using Wikidata CS1 German - language sources ( de ) Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected biographies of living people Use British English from May 2013 Use dmy dates from September 2017 UEFA player ID same as Wikidata FIFA player ID same as Wikidata NFT template with ID same as Wikidata Wikipedia articles with ISNI identifiers Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers Wikipedia articles with NKC identifiers Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Talk View source Contents About Wikipedia Wikinews Asturianu Azərbaycanca বাংলা Беларуская Беларуская ( тарашкевіца ) ‎ Български Bosanski Brezhoneg Català Čeština Cymraeg Dansk Deutsch Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto Euskara فارسی Føroyskt Français Gaeilge Galego 한국어 Հայերեն हिन्दी Hrvatski Bahasa Indonesia Íslenska Italiano עברית Basa Jawa ქართული Қазақша Kiswahili Latviešu Lietuvių Magyar मैथिली Македонски Malagasy മലയാളം Malti მარგალური مصرى Bahasa Melayu Baso Minangkabau Монгол Nederlands नेपाली 日本 語 Norsk Norsk nynorsk Polski Português Română Русиньскый Русский Scots Shqip Simple English Slovenčina Slovenščina Ślůnski کوردی Српски / srpski Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски Suomi Svenska தமிழ் Татарча / tatarça ไทย Türkçe Українська Tiếng Việt 粵語 中文 69 more Edit links This page was last edited on 14 July 2018, at 02 : 49 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: what number is gareth bale for real madrid
Answer: 11