It is undeniably true that Gareth Bale has had a tremendous footballing career, excelling at the highest levels of the game.
A total of 142 goals and 70 assists in 394 league games played is impressive. In instance, he has 17 more goals than Belgium’s Eden Hazard in over 50 less games, with significantly lower assists per 90 (Bale’s 0.21 versus Hazard’s 0.26). Add to that his superhuman heroics in leading a mediocre Welsh side to a Euro semi-final and a World Cup qualification (the team’s second overall and first since 1958), and it’s easy to see why Gareth Bale is a legend.
For many fans, though, Bale’s career never lived up to the potential he displayed in his teens and early twenties. Bale’s career has been marred by frequent injuries and squabbles with his coaches, leaving many with a bittersweet taste. While he gave us countless moments to appreciate and remember, we are left wondering what could have been.
As Gareth Bale retires, we look back at his career as a Welsh icon who charmed fans with his fast pace and the brilliant ball-hitting.
Bursting onto the scene in England
Gareth Bale came through the Southampton Academy, making the first team at the age of 16 and becoming a staple by his second season in 2006-07. Southampton was battling in the Championship, English football’s second tier, at the time.
While Bale, who played left back, did not contribute to the promotion, they came close in his second season, finishing sixth. Bale finished the season with five goals and eight assists, an outstanding performance for a fullback. Unfortunately for Southampton, Bale had performed too well to continue in England’s second tier, earning a £7 million move to Tottenham Hotspurs.
Bale required a couple of seasons at Spurs to settle in, with injuries limiting his playing time. However, by his 20th season, he was making more appearances, stunning fans and commentators alike with his ability to rush at opponents at breakneck speed with the ball, dexterous dribbling abilities, and strong left foot. Due to Bale’s obvious attacking skill, he continued to be put higher forward on the pitch as time went.
Winning everything at Real Madrid
Real Madrid paid a record amount of £85.1 million to sign Gareth Bale. He was a member of the famous club for eight seasons. During that time, Real won every single piece of silverware available, with Bale playing an important role in numerous squads. In 176 league appearances, he would end with 81 goals and 40 assists, as well as some notable cup and Champions League performances.
However, it was during his time at Real Madrid that injuries began to take their toll, keeping Bale out for extended periods of time – Gareth Bale would play over 30 games in his one season with the club (2014-15). Bale’s time at Real Madrid was marred by both match-winning performances and extended absences from the field due to injuries.
The chequered last years of his career
Unfortunately, like many youthful players, Bale’s game began to deteriorate by the time he was 30. He lost favor with Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and was sent to the bench. Many supporters remember him as the spoiled, overpaid footballer he was at the time, often spotted golfing with mates even on match days. His bosses also labeled him “overweight” on multiple occasions.
Bale, on the other hand, had a strange performance in him. He was crucial to Wales’ path to Qatar 2022, their first World Cup berth since 1958. Despite losing a lot of speed from his peak, he still looked like the greatest player on the team during the competition.
Gareth Bale’s journey is one of the opposites, from scoring worldies in the major finals to becoming the brunt of jokes and internet trolls due to his weight. As he prepares to leave the game, one thing is certain: Gareth Bale is a football icon.