Highlights in the career of Gareth Bale, who completed his transfer to Real Madrid from Tottenham on Sunday:
1989 - Born July 16 in Cardiff, Wales.
2005 - Joins Southampton as a trainee, playing as a left back.
2006 - At 16 years and 315 days, becomes Wales' youngest ever international when he comes off the bench in a friendly against Trinidad & Tobago. Makes his first start for his country in a 2-0 loss to Brazil. Signs professional contract with Southampton on 17th birthday.
2007 - Joins Tottenham and makes debut in a match against Manchester United. Misses second half of season through injury.
2009 - Wins first game in Premier League after 28 months and 25 appearances, in a 5-0 victory over Burnley.
2010 - Scores in successive games against Arsenal and Chelsea to help Tottenham finish in the Premier League's top four and qualify for the Champions League, where he makes a stunning start by scoring a hat trick against Inter Milan in 4-3 loss at San Siro. Then delivers man-of-the-match display in return game against Inter. Signs new four-year deal with Spurs and is now used more as a winger than a left back.
2011 - Voted as PFA Player of the Year.
2012 - Signs a third new contract in three years with Spurs. Back/hip injuries rule him out of Olympic football tournament. Becomes a father after birth of Alba Violet.
2013 - Finishes season with 29 goals in all competitions and becomes only third player to be voted senior and young Player of the Year, but Tottenham fails to qualify for Champions League. Signs for Real Madrid.
