His golf playing became somewhat controversial in his latter years at Real Madrid, with the perception that Bale was more interested in his hobby than football. El Confidencial cited golf as the reason why Bale spent so much time out injured, claiming it worsened his back problems. Bale often humorously played-up to this reputation; after qualifying for the Euro 2020 tournament with Wales, he celebrated behind a Welsh flag with the slogan "Wales.
Golfing became a point of contention in Bale's later years at Real Madrid, as it was believed that his hobby took precedence over football. El Confidencial linked Bale's frequent absences from training to his golfing activities, which reportedly worsened his back problems. Bale often playfully played up this reputation; after qualifying for the Euro 2020 tournament with Wales, he celebrated behind a Welsh flag with the slogan "Wales.