Gareth Bale announces retirement from football at age of 33

Bale called the decision to retire from both club and international football as ‘by far the hardest of my career’

Gareth Bale has announced his immediate retirement from football at the age of 33.

The five-time Champions League winner’s last appearance was at the World Cup in late November, as Wales were knocked out in the group stages in Qatar.

As Wales’ talismanic captain, Bale had played a pivotal role in guiding the country to their first World Cup in 64 years and leaves the game as one of their greatest ever players. He retires as the country’s record goalscorer and appearance holder, with 41 goals in 111 games.

At club level, Bale’s stunning rise from a youthful left-back at Tottenham Hotspur to one of the most explosive forwards in the sport saw him move to Real Madrid for a world record fee in 2013, where an eight-year spell cemented his place as one of British football’s most successful exports.

In Spain, Bale won numerous domestic and continental titles and scored in two Champions League finals. His spectacular overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018 will be remembered as one of the best goals ever scored in a Champions League final.

Bale was limited by injuries in recent seasons but still managed to produce his best form for his national team. Bale scored a brilliant free-kick to defeat Ukraine as Wales qualified for their first World Cup since 1958 and in Qatar he scored their only goal of the tournament from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw against the United States, although he could not prevent a group-stage exit following defeats to Iran and England.

In a lengthy goodbye, Bale said his decision to retire was “by far the hardest of my career”.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” Bale said in a statement.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”

Bale celebrates the second of five Champions League titles with Real Madrid (Getty Images)

“From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.

“To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.

“To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.

“My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, wouldn’t be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.

“My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud.

Bale scored Wales’ only goal of the World Cup finals in Qatar, an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against USA (Getty Images)

“So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new challenge.”

Bale posted a separate message to his “Welsh family”, who enjoyed an unprecedented period of success with Bale leading the side. The forward helped Wales qualify for European Championships in 2016, where they reached the semi-finals, as well as another major tournament at Euro 2020.

“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am,” Bale said. “The fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play for and captain Wales, has given me something incomparable to anything else live experienced.

“I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.”

Bale came through the ranks at Southampton before moving to Tottenham in 2007, where he emerged as a world-class talent after moving from defence to attack. Bale’s direct speed and power was unmatched at his peak, and he added goals to his game to hit 21 in the Premier League in 2012-13, which also saw him named Footballer of the Year.

Bale celebrates a memorable winner at West Ham in 2013 (Getty Images)

It led to his record move to Real Madrid that summer, with the Spanish giants sealing a deal of around £85m (€100m) to top the previous record the club spent on Cristiano Ronaldo. Bale scored to put Real Madrid ahead against rivals Atletico in the Champions League final at the end of his first season at the club, as he sparked a feared partnership with Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Bale’s time in Spain was often disrupted by injuries but the forward still produced goals and delivered big moments when he was fit. Overall, to add to his five Champions League titles, Bale won three La Ligas, the Copa del Rey, two Uefa Super Cups and three Fifa Club World Cups with Real Madrid, playing a key role in one of the club’s most successful periods.

Bale returned to Tottenham on loan in 2020 and departed Real Madrid on a permanent basis shortly after Wales’ qualification for the World Cup was sealed last June. He signed for MLS side Los Angeles FC and added a 17th trophy to his career with victory in the MLS Cup, setting up what would be his swansong with Wales at the World Cup. Bale’s penalty secured a point against the USA but the Dragons were eliminated following defeats to Iran and England.

Bale hinted that he may play on following Wales’ World Cup exit, but retires now with his standing as a national hero long since secured. “Thank you to every one of you for being on this journey with me,” Bale said. “So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.”