GOAL takes a look back at Gareth Bale's stellar career after the Welsh legend announced his retirement
Gareth Bale has announced he is hanging up his boots at the age of 33 and after a stellar career that has delivered five Champions League trophies, three La Liga titles and confirmed his status as Wales' greatest ever player.
The 33-year-old has opted to stop midway through his contract at LAFC, where has has already achieved hero status by coming off the bench to score and win the MLS Cup in an incredible game against Philadelphia Union.
Bale's cameo was just one highlight in a career packed full of magic moments from across the world during spells with Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFC as well as on the international scene with Wales.
GOAL recalls some of the standout moments of a memorable and trophy-packed career.
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gareth bale retires at the end of a legendary career 👏 #football #premierleague #garethbale #realmadrid #championsleague #mls #soccer #futbol
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Getty11Scoring Wales' opening goal at Euro 2016
Wales may not have managed to shine at World Cup 2022 but the Dragons did enjoy a memorable Euro 2016 campaign, reaching the semi-finals of the tournament before going out to eventual winners Portugal.
Bale was, of course, at the heart of everything and got Wales off to the best possible start with the team's opening goal in a 2-1 win over Slovakia.
A dipping free-kick just before half-time gave Wales the lead, although goalkeeper Matus Kozacik probably won't want to watch too many replays of the strike.
The goal seemed to fill Wales with belief and saw them progress as runners-up from their group.
Wins over Northern Ireland and Belgium in the knockout rounds followed before their dreams were finally ended.
AdvertisementGetty10 Free-kick to get Wales to 2022 World Cup
Wales booked their place at World Cup 2022 by overcoming Ukraine in a qualifier in Cardiff.
A tight game was decided once again by Bale as he scored the winner from a free-kick to book the Dragons' place in Qatar.
This time the captain needed a little bit of luck. Indeed it was Ukraine captain Andriy Yarmolenko who inadvertently headed his effort past his own goalkeeper in the first half.
It may not have been Bale's prettiest goal but it did end Wales' 64 years of World Cup hurt.
Bale hailed the win as the "greatest result in Welsh football history" after the match and perhaps ensured any potential retirement plans were delayed for just a little bit longer.
Getty9World Cup goal against USA
Wales made it to Qatar 2022 for their first World Cup appearance since 1958 but couldn't make it past the group stages as they suffered an early exit.
Bale's heroics had ensured Wales a place at the tournament and he did, at least, go home with a cherished World Cup finals goal to his name.
The LAFC forward salvaged a point for Wales in a 1-1 draw against the United States, winning a penalty in the second half and promptly dusting himself down to take the kick.
Bale made no mistake at all from the spot, sending a ferocious strike past a helpless Matt Turner to give the travelling fans something to cheer.
8Signing off with Spurs in style
Bale's final Premier League goal in his first spell at Spurs was one to remember as he snatched all three points in a 1-0 victory over Sunderland.
The Welshman curled home a brilliant effort from range in the 90th minute that left goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with absolutely no chance at all.
Tottenham's win saw the team finish on 72 points but it still wasn't enough for Champions League football, as north London rivals Arsenal pipped Spurs to fourth place.
Tottenham then lost Bale over the summer as he completed his record-breaking move to Real Madrid. He departed England after scoring 53 goals in 166 Premier League appearances and he certainly signed off in style.