Gareth Bale’s 10 greatest moments

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham player has left us with many iconic moments.

Gareth Bale's career has not been the best these past couple of seasons as he has missed countless amount of games due to injuries, had issues with different managers, and been more known for being on the golf course than on the pitch. Interestingly, he was always fit enough to play for Wales as he lead them to the World Cup for the first time since 1958. Regardless, there is no question he has overall been an exceptional player and was instrumental for all the clubs he played with. From incredible assists to scoring remarkable goals in clutch moments, he will go down as arguably the most successful British player to have ever played. However, what have been the greatest moments of his career? Here are his top 10 greatest moments.

10. Saved MLS Cup for LAFC

His brief spell in the MLS with LAFC was an exact reflection of how his career has been the past couple of seasons. He barely played over the course of the season due to injury and only scored 3 goals. Yet he appeared when the team most needed him in the MLS Cup Final against the Philadelphia Union. Having come on with the score at 2-2, the game went into extra time where the Union took the lead with less than 5 minutes remaining. Then in the last minute of the game, when all hope seemed to be lost, a brilliant cross would find the head of Bale who scored to level it at 3-3. In the ensuing penalty shootout, LAFC would come out on

top to claim their first ever MLS Cup trophy.

9. Penalty shootout against Atletico Madrid

It might come as a shock to see a penalty kick as one of Bale's best moments. While taking a penalty should be routine for a player of his quality, it became iconic because he stepped up in a penalty shootout to decide the Champions League final while being injured. It is unknown whether the coaching staff knew about it or not, but he was determined to take a penalty and went on to score it without any problems. In fact, it was not until scoring it that he showed his injury as he limped back to the center circle.

Along with this, he was fundamental in Real Madrid’s opening goal as his header would find Sergio Ramos to give the team the lead. That final would finish with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the game-winning penalty in the shootout and Real Madrid lifting their 11th Champions League title.

8. Euro 2016

Wales qualified for the Euros in 2016, which was their first appearance at a major tournament in decades, and were drawn in a group that included Russia and England. Initially, they were tipped to exit at the group stage or the last 16 at best. However, the Welsh Dragons would become one of the stories of the Euros as they topped their group and reached the semifinals, beating tournament favorites Belgium along the way in a thrilling 3-1 victory. Bale, who finished on the podium for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award that season, scored 3 goals and was instrumental in Wales historic Euro 2016 campaign.