Wonder goals. Golf. Madrid. In that order.
After Gareth Bale suddenly announced his immediate retirement from football on Monday at the age of 33, thoughts inevitably turn to the magic moments the Welsh wizard provided during his storied and stellar career.
At his peak, the winger was absolutely unplayable, probably the third best player in the world behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and probably second – behind only Messi – in his capacity to create gorgeous goals out of nothing.
From his unique off-the-pitch scorching past Barcelona’s Marc Bartra, to a sublime overhead kick in the Champions League final, fans got used to seeing Bale’s trademark love-heart celebration and beaming grin after stunning strikes.
So below, Sportsmail‘s Max Mathews attempts to narrow down the long list of contenders and go through the top 10 Gareth Bale goals of all time.
Welsh wizard Gareth Bale announced his immediate retirement from football on Monday night
Thoughts of fans will now inevitably turn to the moments of magic he provided in his career
Below, Sportsmail rounds up the top 10 goals of former Real Madrid winger Bale’s stellar career
10. TOTTENHAM 1-0 Sunderland, May 19, 2013
In Bale’s final match at Tottenham before a then-record £86million move to the galacticos of Real Madrid, the north London side were desperately chasing Champions League football against lowly Sunderland.
The 90th minute, 25 yards from goal and not far in from the touchline, he took an ordinary first touch on his weaker right foot.
Such is Bale’s class, even that slight mis-step was woven seamlessly into his eventual masterpiece. The ball, spinning wickedly, kissed his chest before his left foot caressed it under his spell.
Nudge it forward, fake shift to his left, nudge it forward, real shift to his left, and swish. Nothing but net. What better way to show why the Spanish giants splashed that much cash on him?
9. Stoke 1-2 TOTTENHAM, August 21, 2010
You probably forgot about this goal, didn’t you. It’s early Bale – but don’t sleep on his early stuff.
Aaron Lennon, who provides the assist in many of the goals on this list,…