Sports Nicknames - The Golfer

Gareth Bale has had an interesting career so far. He eclipsed the world record fee that Real Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo, yet has ended up as a bit-part player in Jose Mourinho's current Tottenham Hotspur team. But just how did he get here?



Bale started as a left back at Southampton, where he started being renowned for his free-kicks and ability to hit the ball with some serious swerve. In 2007, he transferred to Tottenham, where he was transformed into an attacking player. He became prolific in this winger role, winning a host of awards in the 2012-13 season.

Such a rise in fame and form earned him a widely reported move to Real Madrid, becoming their biggest signing since Cristiano Ronaldo. His time in Madrid was... mixed. He was riddled with injuries, yet also came with some serious silverware. The Spanish media were quite critical of Bale and his injuries, blaming it on his love of golf. Teammate Thibaut Courtois even gave him the nickname "The Golfer" due to how much he played.

Despite a trophy haul of 2 La Ligas, 1 Copa del Rey, 4 Champions League trophies (3 of which were in a row) and some other minor silverware, Bale left Madrid for the 2020-21 season. He rejoined Tottenham Hotspur, now under former Real coach Jose Mourinho. As of the time of writing, he has only scored 1 goal for the club in 7 appearances.

At his peak, Gareth Bale can make a brilliant play with his speed and left foot. Yet, injuries have riddled his prime, removing some of the glamour of his time at Los Blancos. Can he rediscover his best at Spurs? We'll have to see.

--

Gareth Bale currently plays in the MLS for Los Angeles FC.

--

Click for more Sports Nicknames