Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale explains why he retired from professional football at 33, sharing a sense of fulfillment and a wish to be present for Wales’ next generation. He notes that his joy in his career remained intact, but the moment came when family life called louder than ever. Bale says he wanted to spend more time with his loved ones and to be part of his children’s early years, a period he felt was slipping by too quickly.
Bale’s final club was Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. His career also included stints with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur in London. During his time with Real Madrid, he rose to legendary status, contributing to three La Liga titles and lifting the Champions League trophy five times, a testament to his impact on top European football.
In the Wales national team, Bale earned 111 caps and tallied 41 goals, a record that stands as a historic benchmark for Welsh players at the international level. His leadership helped elevate Wales on the world stage, including a memorable run in the 2016 European Championship, where the team reached the semi-finals. Wales faced tough competition and did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup, a setback that Bale openly acknowledged as part of the team’s ongoing journey.
After stepping away from football, Bale explored other passions and avenues, including taking up golf as a hobby and enjoying time with family. His contributions to the sport and his country were formally recognized when he accepted the Award of the British Empire, an honor that highlighted his enduring impact on Welsh football and his broader endeavors.
This transition marks a new chapter for Bale, one rooted in family, national pride, and a continued interest in keeping active both on and off the field. The legacy he leaves behind is defined not only by his trophies and records but by the inspiration he provided to future generations of Welsh players and fans alike.