January 09, (THEWILL) – Gareth Bale, the world’s most popular professional football player from Wales, has announced his retirement from the sport.
Throughout his career, Bale played for several clubs including Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and LAFC. He also played a key role in leading the Welsh national team to participate in multiple major tournaments, including the World Cup.
Bale made the decision to retire after a successful career spanning 17 seasons and announced his decision on social media on Monday. It is an end to a glorious career that began when he made his professional debut in 2006 with Southampton, and quickly gained attention for his skill and speed on the field.
He was eventually signed by Tottenham in 2007, where he played for several seasons before moving on to Real Madrid in 2013. During his time with Real Madrid, Bale helped the team win numerous titles, including four Champions League trophies. In 2020, he rejoined Spurs for a brief stint before returning to Madrid. He signed for the MLS side LAFC in July last year.
In addition to his club success, Bale also made a significant impact on the Welsh national team. He helped lead the team to qualify for three major tournaments, including the European Championship and the World Cup, bringing a new level of success and recognition to Welsh soccer.