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.
Bale's involvement in golf during his later years at Real Madrid was seen as less focused on football, leading to speculation that it contributed to his injuries. El Confidencial suggested that Bale's time away from training was due to his interest in golf, which reportedly aggravated his back issues. Bale frequently highlighted this perception; after qualifying for the Euro 2020 tournament with Wales, he celebrated behind a Welsh flag with the slogan "Wales.