Gareth Bale
Edit
Enlarge Image
Early Life and Education
Gareth Frank Bale was born on July 16, 1989, in Cardiff, Wales, to Frank and Debbie Bale. His father worked as a school caretaker, while his mother served as an operations manager. Bale grew up in a modest family alongside his elder sister, Vicky. He is also the nephew of former professional footballer Chris Pike. Gareth attended Eglwys Newydd Primary School and later studied at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 16 Jul, 1989
- Age
- 30 yrs
- Occupations
- Association football player
Show all facts
- Citizenship
- United Kingdom
- Birth Place
- Cardiff
- residence
- Madrid
- Education
- Whitchurch High School
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- Welsh association football player
- Net Worth 2021
- 33 million
Explore Related Biographies
Selected for this profile
Early Football Career at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur
Bale began his professional football career as a teenager. In 2006, at the age of 16, he joined Southampton, becoming the second-youngest player to debut for the club. In 2007, he signed a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur. He made his debut for the Spurs in August 2007 and showed early promise. However, in December of the same year, Bale suffered an injury requiring exploratory surgery, sidelining him for a significant period. Despite the setback, he signed a new four-year contract with Tottenham in 2008. Unfortunately, another knee injury in 2009 required surgery, but he returned to action by the end of that year.
Breakthrough at Real Madrid
In 2013, Gareth Bale made a high-profile move to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee of approximately €100 million. He signed a six-year contract with the club. Bale played in key matches against teams like Málaga, Sevilla, and Schalke. He was instrumental in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the 2013–14 Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, contributing with crucial goals and performances. Bale remained with Real Madrid until 2022, including a loan spell back at Tottenham Hotspur in 2020–21, before joining Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC in June 2022. He announced his retirement from professional football on January 9, 2023, at the age of 33.
International Career with Wales
Bale's international career began in 2006 when he was selected to play for Wales against Trinidad and Tobago, becoming the youngest player to score for the national team during Euro 2008 qualifying. Though he was eligible to represent England through his grandmother, Bale chose to play for Wales. Despite injuries, he rejoined the national team during the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds. Notably, he scored two goals against Scotland in 2012 during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. In UEFA Euro 2016, he scored the opening goal against Slovakia, playing a significant role in Wales’ historic run to the semi-finals. He was also named to the Great Britain Olympic football team for the 2012 London Olympics, although he ultimately did not compete due to injury.
