Gareth Bale turns 34: A look at career, accomplishments of Welsh football legend

Welsh football star Gareth Bale turned 34 on Sunday. Bale, who announced his retirement from international football, attained a lot of success playing for clubs like Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and most notably Real Madrid. On his birthday, here’s a look at his career and accomplishments;

Southampton career

After starting his youth career with Southampton, he made his senior team debut in 2006-07. He played 40 matches for the club, scoring five goals, playing as a winger. He was just 16 years old at time of his debut. But he did not win any championships with the club. 

Source: Twitter

Tottenham Hotspur career

From 2007 to 2013, Bale represented Tottenham. For this club, he made 146 appearances and scored 42 goals. He won the club’s ‘Young Player of the Year’ award in 2009-10, 2010-11 seasons and won the ‘Player of the Year’ award of the club in 2013. He was also a part of the ‘UEFA Team of the Year’ in 2011 and 2013. 

Source: Twitter

EFL Cup win with Tottenham

With Tottenham, Bale won the EFL Cup in 2007-08, his only success in English club football. 

Source: Tottenham Hotspur Twitter

Move to Real Madrid: A game-changer

Bale moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013 and stayed with them till 2022. In his career at Spain, he made 176 appearances and scored 81 goals. He went on to win many trophies for the club later. 

Source: UEFA Champions League Twitter

A look at Bale’s trophy resume in Spain

With Real Madrid, Bale captured three La Liga titles (2016-17, 2019-20 and 2021-22). He also won five UEFA Champions League titles (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2021-22). Bale also managed to win a Copa Del Ray (2013-14), two UEFA Super Cup (2014, 2017) and three FIFA Club World Cups (2014, 2017 and 2018).

Source: Gareth Bale Twitter

A brief stint in Los Angeles 

Towards the end of his career, he made 12 appearances for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer in the US. In these, he scored two goals. 

Source: Gareth Bale Twitter

International football career

Bale earned 111 caps for Wales and has scored 41 goals. He is the top goal-scorer in the country’s football history. He had a key role in helping Wales qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ending their 64-year wait for that. Bale is also the most capped player for Wales. He has also won the ‘Welsh Footballer of the Year’ award a record six times.

Source: Gareth Bale Twitter

(ANI)

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