In Focus: Wales talisman Bale's top moments for the Dragons

Gareth Bale has broken Welsh hearts by calling time on his dazzling career for club and country. 

The Dragons superstar, 33, added another chapter to his international story against the United States last November as he netted his nation’s first World Cup goal for 64 years.

He converted a penalty with eight minutes to go to earn a crucial point in their Group B opener in Qatar and send the Wales faithful behind the goal and at home into dreamland. 

But that was as good as it got for the former Tottenham and Real Madrid ace as Rob Page's men went on to lose 2-0 to Iran and 3-0 to England. 

With Bale hanging up his boots today, LiveScore run through his best moments in a Wales shirt. 

United States 1-1 Wales (2022)

There was only going to be one man to score one of the most historic goals in Wales' history.

Their return to footbal's biggest tournament had not been going to plan after finding themselves 1-0 down during a dominant first-half display by the USA, with Bale having a particularly quiet game.

But hopes grew thanks to an improved display after the break and Page's side finally got their reward with eight minutes of regular time to play.

Partner in crime Aaron Ramsey was sent clear down the right, with Bale reaching his cut-back first and forcing a foul from US defender Walker Zimmerman.

With little doubt over who would take the spot-kick, Bale stepped up when it mattered once again to slam the ball home and spark delirium in the red section of the Al Rayyan Stadium.

Wales 1-0 Ukraine (2022)

Bale was on hand to carry the hopes of a nation on his shoulders in typical style by producing the decisive goal to earn their spot in Qatar.

Emotions were high at the Cardiff City Stadium with the backdrop of opponents Ukraine's ongoing war against Russia adding some important context alongside Wales' sporting objectives.

But despite a monumental effort from Ukraine, it was ultimately a night for the home side thanks to the efforts of a certain man.

Bale’s first-half free-kick was inadvertently headed in by opposing skipper Andriy Yarmolenko, while some heroic goalkeeping by Wayne Hennessey meant that World Cup dream would finally be realised.

Speaking after the game, the Wales skipper said: "It's the greatest result in history for Welsh football.

"It means everything. It's what dreams are made of. I'm speechless because I'm so happy. Words can't describe how we feel at the moment."

Wales 2-1 Austria (2022)

Bale came into a crucial World Cup play-off with question marks over his fitness after missing the previous week's El Clasico with a back injury.

But the then Real Madrid star dispelled any doubts as he stepped up in the 25th minute to curl a free-kick into the top corner.

He smashed home a second after the break, expertly taking control of a loose ball in the area and blasting home via his favoured left foot. 

The heroic display was capped as Wales' inspirational leader continued to press the Austrian defence late into the game, despite struggling with cramp and an issue with his groin.

Withdrawn to rapturous applause in the 89th minute, Bale had once again carried the hopes of a nation and left them 90 minutes from history.

Wales 2-1 Slovakia (2016)

Wales flourished in 2016, reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship for the first time in their history.

The Dragons had been drawn in a group with England, Slovakia and Russia and progressed as winners, with their only dropped points coming against the Three Lions. 

Bale was instrumental in Wales' success, scoring three times.

His first goal of the tournament helped them get off to a winning start with a 2-1 win over Slovakia.

He struck a sweet free-kick to give his side the lead in the Dragons' first appearance at a major tournament since 1958 and made an entire nation believe.

Wales 2-1 Scotland (2012)

Wales came into this World Cup qualifier off the back of two defeats in their first two games.

The situation was looking dire but the Welsh wizard chose this match to really announce himself on the international stage.

Bale scored a brace as the Dragons came back from 1-0 down to secure a vital victory in his hometown.

His first goal came from the penalty spot as he kept his cool after being brought down in the box.

But it was the second that captured the headlines. The No11 dropped his shoulder on the edge of the box before thundering a strike into the top corner of Scotland's goal.

Wales 1-0 Belgium (2015)

Bale's goal against Belgium in a Euro 2016 qualifier is perhaps his most important for Wales.

On the night of his 50th cap, he once again came up with the goods as the Dragons dispatched their star-studded rivals to go top of their group.

The Southampton youth product expertly controlled Radja Nainggolan's wayward header in the box before slotting home through the legs of Thibaut Courtois.

The victory gave Wales a three-point advantage over their opponents.

Bale's finish sent the Cardiff crowd into a frenzy and to this day is still remembered as one of the most important goals in Welsh history en route to their historic Euros run.

Turkey 0-2 Wales (2021)

In the midst of the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, Bale once again took centre stage in a group match against Turkey.

The veteran forward dominated play, providing both assists in an open game in which he also missed a penalty.

He delivered a delightful ball on to the chest of Ramsey for the first goal, before driving into the box from the corner flag and teeing up Connor Roberts to secure the victory in stoppage time.

The win helped Wales advance to the knockout stages of the tournament for the second time in a row, qualifying second to eventual winners Italy.

They would be eliminated by Denmark in the last 16 but Bale's performances demonstrated that he could still play a key role on the biggest stage.

Wales 2-0 Hungary (2019)

Wales qualified for Euro 2020 with a win against Hungary in Cardiff on the final matchday in 2019.

Bale put in another top-class performance, registering an assist and once again dominating the game.

But it was the celebrations after the final whistle that caught most people's attention as he brandished a flag reading: "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order."

Inspired by criticism Bale had received from former Real Madrid star Predrag Mijatovic — who had questioned whether playing for the LaLiga giants was a priority for the Welshman — the banner caused a stir on social media and in the Spanish capital.

Dragons fans delighted in Mijatovic's comments and the cheeky flag made it from the stands to the field to join the iconic skipper in the annals of Welsh history.