Bale beat off competition from Luis Suarez, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Michael Carrick to win the senior prize for the 2012-13 campaign. The Wales forward also took home the Young Player of the Year accolade, making him only the third player in history – after Andy Gray and Cristiano Ronaldo – to receive both prizes in the same season. Gareth Bale scored 31 goals in the 2012-13 campaign (Stephen Pond/PA)“It’s a massive honour,” Bale said. Bale claimed the senior award two years earlier after shooting to fame with a series of scintillating displays domestically and in the Champions League. Bale went on to become one of British football’s most decorated players at Real, winning five Champions League winners’ medals, before retiring in January 2023.

Source: Express April 28, 2023 05:28 UTC