Football Superstar Gareth Bale Retires after a Successful Career Filled with Trophies

The 33-year-old Welsh football icon and five-time Champions League winner has announced his retirement.

In a social media post, the forward said the game had given him some of his "best moments."

After careful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football," he wrote. My dream of playing the sport I love has come true."

In 2013, Bale signed for Real Madrid for a then-world record fee after starting his career with Southampton before making his name at Tottenham.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, he formed a formidable forward line that won three La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies.

In 2022, Bale joined Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Having played 111 times for Wales, he retired as the country's most capped player and led the nation to its first World Cup in 64 years at Qatar 2022.

“To show my gratitude to all those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility,” he added.

“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.

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

A stunning overhead kick during the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2018 was among Bale's many impressive goals during his career.

Bale was one of the best players in the world because of his pace, power, and eye for long-range goals.

Bale was plagued by injuries in recent years, but he still managed to play for Wales.

In 2016, the talisman led his country to the semifinals of Euro 2016, reaching the final in 2020.

In Qatar, he achieved his dream of playing in the World Cup, captaining his team and scoring the first goal by his country against the United States since 1958.

Bale finished his 16-year career at LAFC, scoring a dramatic, late goal to help the team win the Major League Soccer Cup for the first time in November 2022.

“It was an honor to have one of the most talented, dynamic and exciting players of his generation finish his career with a title for LAFC, and we wish Gareth, his wife Emma, and their family nothing but the best in their future endeavors,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said in a statement.