Gareth Frank Bale, born on July 16, 1989, in Cardiff, Wales, celebrates his 36th birthday today, as one of the most decorated Welsh athletes in history.
Widely regarded as the greatest Welsh footballer of all time and one of the finest players of his generation, Bale’s career is a testament to his explosive pace, technical brilliance, and knack for delivering in the biggest moments. Over his 17-year professional career, Bale amassed an astonishing 22 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and an MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC.
With 665 club appearances, 225 goals, and 144 assists, alongside 111 caps and 41 goals for Wales, Bale’s legacy is etched in football history. His journey from a teenage left-back at Southampton to a world-class winger at Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid showcased his versatility, earning him two PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards and a record-breaking €100.8 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2013. Bale’s contributions extended beyond club football, as he led Wales to their first major tournament semi-final at Euro 2016 and their first World Cup in 64 years in 2022, cementing his status as a national hero.
Life at 36: Bale’s Post-Football Journey vs Active Players
Since retiring in January 2023 at age 33, Gareth Bale has embraced a life away from the pitch, focusing on family, his passion for golf and the occasional football punditry work.
In comparison, his contemporaries like Cristiano Ronaldo (40), who continues to dominate at Al-Nassr with 10 goals in 12 matches in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, or Lionel Messi (38), who led Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024 with 20 goals. Other peers, such as Robert Lewandowski (36), remain prolific, with Lewandowski scoring 14 goals in La Liga for Barcelona this season.
In contrast, Bale has shifted his focus to non-competitive endeavors. He organizes the Gareth Bale Festival of Sport, a golf and multi-sport event for young Welsh athletes, and has competed in professional golf tournaments, leveraging his near-scratch handicap. Social media posts show him endorsing brands like TaylorMade Golf and Heineken 0.0, reflecting a relaxed lifestyle centered on sponsorships and charity. While players like Ronaldo and Messi continue to chase records, Bale’s retirement aligns with his desire for a quieter life, prioritizing personal fulfillment over the grind of professional football. His legacy, however, remains untarnished, with fans and analysts alike celebrating his clutch performances, such as his iconic 2018 Champions League final bicycle kick.
Top 5 Gareth Bale Goals: Moments of Magic
Bale’s career is defined by unforgettable goals, blending power, precision, and audacity. Take a look down memory lane and relive his top five best career goals, based on impact and his individual brilliance:
2018 UEFA Champions League Final vs. Liverpool (Real Madrid)
Gareth Bale’s jaw-dropping bicycle kick in Kyiv is arguably the greatest goal in a Champions League final. Entering the pitch as a substitute, he connected with Marcelo’s cross to score a gravity-defying overhead kick, putting Real Madrid 2-1 up en route to their 13th title. Named Man of the Match, Bale’s goal remains a pinnacle of his career.
Out of nowhere, Gareth Bale pulled this overhead kick in the #UCL final vs Liverpool 🚲
— CrossAndNod (@crossandnodFT) March 18, 2022
Stuff of Champions for real 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/k0AJQ5yxsW
2014 Copa del Rey Final vs. Barcelona (Real Madrid)
In a defining moment, Bale scored the match-winning goal in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. With the score tied at 1-1, he chased a long ball, outran Marc Bartra off the pitch, and slotted past José Manuel Pinto. This solo effort showcased his blistering pace and composure, earning him the nickname “The Cannon.”
💨 That EPIC 60-metre run... to win the final!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 16, 2020
👟 @GarethBale11
🏆 Copa del Rey 2013/14 👑
🆚 @FCBarcelona @futbolmahou | #TheTasteThatUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/LVLKjRLguf
2010 UEFA Champions League vs. Inter Milan (Tottenham Hotspur)
Facing a 4-0 deficit at San Siro, Bale produced a stunning second-half hat-trick against Inter Milan, including a long-range screamer and a clinical finish. Though Tottenham lost 4-3, this performance announced Bale as a global star, highlighting his sheer power and pace.
#GoalOfTheDay | Gareth Bale vs Inter Milan (2010) pic.twitter.com/QFzzAyLihV
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 17, 2023
2016 UEFA Euro Qualifier vs. Belgium (Wales)
On his 50th cap, Bale scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Belgium, propelling Wales to the top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group. His clinical finish from a tight angle demonstrated his clutch mentality, helping secure Wales’ first major tournament qualification since 1958.
Ten years ago today, a whole decade already…
— Jordan (@JordanWebber96) June 12, 2025
Cymru taking a giant step towards Euro 2016 qualification with a huge win against Belgium in Cardiff.
Gareth Bale with the only goal of the night for Wales. 🏴pic.twitter.com/NpKuGLiWTu
2013 Premier League vs. West Ham United (Tottenham Hotspur)
In a February 2013 match, Bale sealed a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory for Tottenham with a sensational 90th-minute winner. Receiving the ball 30 yards out, he unleashed a dipping, swerving strike into the top corner, leaving West Ham’s goalkeeper helpless. This goal, one of his nine in the 2012-13 Premier League season, earned him the PFA Player of the Year award and epitomized his ability to single-handedly turn games.
25/02/13 - West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
— My Greatest 11 (@MyGreatest11) February 25, 2024
90th Minute Screamer by Gareth Bale!pic.twitter.com/9V9rc16URv
Conclusion
As Gareth Bale turns 36, his legacy as a footballing icon endures. From world-record transfers to trophy-laden seasons and historic goals, his career redefined Welsh football. While he now enjoys a quieter life, his contributions on and off the pitch—through philanthropy and inspiring the next generation—ensure his influence will persist. Wales. Golf. Madrid. Happy 36th birthday to the Welsh Dragon.
