Gareth Bale

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Gareth Bale is the most decorated Welsh footballer in history. He won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, a feat matched by few. His bicycle kick in the 2018 final is often called the greatest goal in Champions League final history. He led Wales to their first major tournament semi-final in 2016 and ended a 64-year World Cup drought. He was named Welsh Footballer of the Year six times, more than any other player. His speed and clutch performances made him a legend.

AwardsBale won two PFA Players' Player of the Year awards (2011, 2013) and the PFA Young Player of the Year (2013). He was named UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match in 2018 and won the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball that same year. He was Welsh Footballer of the Year a record six times. His team honors include five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and one MLS Cup.

Honours & Distinctions

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

British Government·2022

Appointed in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to football and charity.

Rankings & Lists

#6th

Ballon d'Or

France Football·2016

Magazine Covers

The Athletic

2026-06-21

Gareth Bale on retirement, Real Madrid and investing in women's sports

Records & Feats

Wales all-time top goalscorer

Career Milestone·2022

Scored 41 goals for Wales, the most in the nation's history.

Wales most capped player

Career Milestone·2022

Earned 111 caps for Wales, more than any other player.

Most Welsh Footballer of the Year awards

Awards·2016

Won the award six times, a record.

Second Premier League player to win both PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in same season

Awards·2013

Achieved this in 2012-13, after Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006-07.

Youngest Southampton first-team player

Career Milestone·2006

Made his debut at age 16, becoming Southampton's youngest ever player.