Football London

Tottenham players conducted their final pre-match huddle for the Europa League final in front of their own fans in a surprise turn of events on Wednesday night. Having initially lined up on the opposite side of the field, Cristian Romero and his teammates took matters into their own hands.

Sensing the chance to get another big cheer from their own supporters, Tottenham players ran past the United huddle (in their own half) and went towards the corner which housed the sea of white shirts. As a potential last mind game before the action got underway, it seemed to be appreciated.

The Spurs fans had been making a serious noise around Bilbao all day and continued that at the San Mames Stadium before kick-off. They were rewarded when Romero wandered over to deliver his motivating words.

The decision was confusing at first, with some questioning if the two sides had changed ends again after the coin toss, but it quickly became apparent that Tottenahm were simply looking for an extra advantage. As is standard with finals, both teams shoot towards their own end in the second half.

For Ange Postecoglou, he was looking for a way to give back to the Spurs faithful. "They're the constant, they're always there, and we wanna give back," he told TNT Sport before the game. "Tonight could be a special night."

He would not be drawn into putting too much expectation on his players, though. When asked if beating United three times already this season made him more confident or added pressure, he said: "Neither because it’s a final and you know that those kind of things aren’t important.

"If we had lost all three games your question would probably be ‘do you feel the pressure because you can’t beat them’, so… What I do know, and I’ve been in this situation a few times in my career in the big games, even your form going into it, even if you’ve got terrible form, it doesn’t matter.

"What matters is how the players cope with the occasion tomorrow. How they cope with understanding the importance of the game. For both clubs, you just don’t know how players are going to react to such a big occasion.

"My role in that is to try to prepare the players in the best possible way and also to prepare the players for Manchester United to be at their best, and that’s what you have to prepare for. If you prepare that way, and then you go out there and play to the potential that you can, you give yourself an opportunity.

"But I don’t think it really matters what you’ve done before any opposition when it comes to big games. Maybe in the league it’s a bit different. But in a final, everything gets decided on the day."

Ange Postecoglou was in a relaxed mood as he spoke pitchside ahead of the Europa League final. Just one day after he once more cut a slightly agitated figure during the pre-game press conference, the Tottenham head coach was in good spirits at San Mames Stadium.

After grabbing headlines on Tuesday with a spiky response to being asked about the fine line between 'infamy and legendary status,' Postecoglou was much more chilled out here. Talking to TNT Sport before the game, he was quick to praise the Spurs fans who had made quite the atmosphere.

"They're the constant, they're always there, and we wanna give back," he said. "Tonight could be a special night." It was a massive contrast to when he hit back at a report debating whether he would be a 'hero or clown' after the final.

"That depends on your outlook," he responded to the journalist in question. "But I’ll tell you one thing: irrespective of what happens tomorrow, I’m not a clown and I never will be, mate.

"I’m really disappointed that you would use such terminology about a person who, for 26 years without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he’s leading out a club in a European major competition [final]. For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown, not really sure how to answer that question."

The spikey side of Postecoglou was very much left behind prior to kick-off, though. He was eloquent and smiling away as he soaked up the chants and cheers coming from behind him in the Tottenham end.

Postecoglou's speeches to the Spurs players in the latter stages of this tournament have gotten plenty of traction online. In that environment, Postecoglou's success as a motivator and an orator have come through and had the desired impact.

Tottenham supporters will now be hoping he has managed to have that effect again. Not bound by the pressures of talk over his job or future, Postecoglou was instead fully focused on the matchday and the experience to come.

Having spent most of the past 12 months talking about winning a trophy in his second season, this is Postecoglou's chance and he was seemingly revelling in it, embracing the moment and looking to be in his element for such a big match. His demeanour continued as he cracked jokes with the pundits.

Showing no signs of nerves, Postecoglou made several gags about his age and hearing after being unable to understand the questions being asked. As he left the buildup section, shaking Gareth Bale's hand, Postecoglou once more said that he needed to improve his hearing.

The response got a laugh out of Bale and the other pundits. Meanwhile, Postecoglou walked away with a grin as he went to prepare his team one last time.

Ange Postecoglou has highlighted Tottenham's need for "running power" in midfield in the Europa League final against Manchester United following his decision not to start Son Heung-min. The Spurs captain has been named on the substitutes' bench for the showdown in the Basque Country, with Pape Matar Sarr starting in the middle of the park alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma.

Son had proved his fitness ahead of the final in Bilbao after playing 32 and 74 minutes respectively in Tottenham's past two fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Many had the South Korean down to start but instead Sarr has won the race to be in from the off at San Mames Stadium.

It means Postecoglou sticks with his usual 4-3-3 formation and opts for a front three of Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison. The boss does have further attacking options on the bench in Son, Mikey Moore, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Dane Scarlett and Damola Ajayi.

“It’s disappointing losing guys likes Madders, Lucas and Deki because they’re very creative in there. But I think we’ll need running power tonight, it’s the kind of game in a final where we’re going to have to work hard defensively and in attack," said the Australian when speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the game.

“The three boys we’ve got in there will work hard for the team and hopefully give us a good foundation.”

Tottenham have got the better of Manchester United three times domestically this season but those results go out of the window for the final. Postecoglou is well aware of the threats facing his side on Wednesday evening.

“They’ve got a couple of key players we need to shut down and we’re going to have to be really disciplined in our approach," said Postecoglou.

When Bruno Fernandes was mentioned, he added: “Absolutely. He’s one of those players. In big games, it’s sometimes moments that change games. He’s that player.

“At the same time, we’ve got to try and overwhelm in a collective way, not an individual basis. That’s the key to our approach today.”

Ange Postecoglou has named his Tottenham team to take on Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night in Bilbao.

Injuries mean the Spurs boss has had to name a team without any creative central midfielders and the north London side are going to have to come up with other ways of getting to the goal if they are to make it four victories against United during this campaign, having won home and away in the league and in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In one big decision, Postecoglou has decided to put his captain Son Heung-min on the bench and gone for the same team that won in Bodo/Glimt but without the injured Dejan Kulusevski, with Pape Matar Sarr coming into the side. Richarlison plays on the left up top in Son's place alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.

Dane Scarlett returns after his groin surgery to take a place on the bench among the 12 substitutes.

Here's the Tottenham starting XI and substitutes that will face Ruben Amorim's side in Bilbao.

Vicario, Porro, Romero (c), van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison. Substitutes: Austin, Whiteman, Spence, Danso, Davies, Gray, Moore, Ajayi, Odobert, Tel, Son, Scarlett.

Hello and welcome to football.london's live coverage of the Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

It is a huge night in Bilbao for Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs side and it could potentially be a historic day in the club's rich history. The north London club may have struggled in the Premier League this season but it has been a different story altogether in Europe after progressing all the way to the showpiece final.

Manchester United have also endured a similar season and they will be hoping to get one over Spurs in the final after so far losing all three games between the sides this term.

Brennan Johnson put Spurs ahead in the first half in what was a very cagey affair! Tottenham correspondents Alasdair Gold, Rob Guest and Lee Wilmot will be bringing you live updates throughout the match in our live matchday blog.

Scroll down for all of our latest updates from San Mames Stadium.

Key Events

Own goal!20:45

Sarr decision explained19:31

Confirmed Tottenham XI18:49

Spurs sub

Son replaces Richarlison who ran himself into the ground.

Big chance

Brilliant work from Udogie to win a ball in the Spurs box and then race up the pitch as he broke two vs one with Solanke but the striker just couldn't control his pass on the run. Should have been a second goal for Spurs there.

Cleared

Fernandes whips in a great free-kick and Solanke is on hand to clear after Yoro had got a touch to the ball.

United's start

The Red Devils are seeing plenty of the ball at the beginning of the second half but they've yet to call Vicario into action.

Roy Keane verdict

Roy Keane has given his verdict on the opening goal. Speaking as a pundit on CBS Sports, Keane said:

Huge moment but a real lack of quality. They have almost brought their League form to the table, but there's been tension obviously. Spurs have managed to get their noses in front. Big, big moment obviously, we are giving Johnson the goal but I think it might have come off Shaw.

We mentioned before the game about getting bodies in there, United have got bodies back but not obviously doing a defensive job. We look at it closesly, we saw crosses, in-swingers, earlier. I think Maguire has got to focus on clearing the ball.

Johnson does a brilliant run, nice and aggressive but United have enough bodies back but not doing enough. I think, yeah, question marks over the goalkeeper. It looks like an OG to me.

Peep

We're back up and running.

Second half to come

Certainly not the best half of football but Brennan Johnson's opener is currently the difference between the two sides.

Maybe that goal will lead to an improved second half? We'll see.

Here are our Spurs first half player ratings

Guglielmo Vicario 5

Pedro Porro 6

Cristian Romero 7

Micky van de Ven 7

Destiny Udogie 5

Rodrigo Bentancur 6

Yves Bissouma 6

Pape Matar Sarr 7

Brennan Johnson 7

Dominic Solanke 5

Richarlison 6

Half-time

Spurs 1-0 up at the break.

Added time

Two minutes added on.

Own goal!

Sarr intercepts a pass and puts a cross in which deflects off Shaw from Johnson's flick and Onana can't keep it out. 1-0 to Spurs.

Yellow card

Amad sees yellow after pulling Udogie back as he was breaking upfield.

Save

Good goalkeeping from Vicario to take in Fernandes' ball across goal.

Wide

Amad flashes an effort just across the face of goal.

That was close!

Chances

Chances for Spurs as Johnson runs on to a deflected clearance and his low ball across is pushed out by Onana and then Sarr's follow up shot was blocked in front of the six-yard box. Soon after Richarlison has a shot deflected wide.

Close

Terrific cross in from Porro which leaves Onana in no man's land but Richarlison is just beaten to it at the back post.

Block

First attempt on goal for United as Fernandes sees his effort blocked by teammate Mount in the penalty box.

Peep

We're up and running in Bilbao as Spurs get us under way.

Players out

The players are out on the pitch and we are moments away from kick-off!

The noise inside the stadium is deafening!

Match and trophy odds

Here are tonight's match and trophy odds ahead of the Europa League final:

Match result:

Tottenham – 11/5

Draw – 9/4

Manchester United – 6/5

To lift the trophy:

Tottenham – 6/5

Manchester United – 13/20

*Odds provided by Betway.

Tottenham's special shirt

As is normally the case with finals, Tottenham are wearing a special kit tonight with additional wording in the centre.

It certainly looks great.

Sarr decision explained

Ange Postecoglou has revealed why he has selected Pape Matar Sarr in his Tottenham team to take on Manchester United.

The decision to start the midfield has resulted in Son Heung-min taking his place on the bench to begin with.

Click here.

Tottenham fans in great spirits

The San Mames Stadium is starting to fill up and Tottenham supporters are certainly making their voices heard.

It's quite the noise!

Leny Yoro starts

The big news from Manchester United's line-up is that defender Leny Yoro starts.

The 19-year-old is set to start on the right hand side of a back three, with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw the other centre-backs.

Champions League qualification or a trophy?

So what is more important to Tottenham when it comes to a trophy and also Champions League qualification?

Ange Postecoglou has had his say below:

It’s a great prize, the significance of Champions League qualification and what it means for every football club. There are the obvious benefits but also you get the opportunity to play against the best in the continent. But the club has been in the Champions League before. It hasn’t won a trophy for a long time. So that’s the most important thing.

Son on the bench

The big news from Tottenham's team news is that captain Son Heung-min is on the bench.

Ange Postecoglou has opted to start Richarlison, Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke as his forward players in Bilbao. You would think, though, that Son will have an impact off the bench.

Confirmed Tottenham XI

Here is the Tottenham team Ange Postecoglou has selected for this evening's final:

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison.

Subs: Austin, Whiteman, Danso, Spence, Davies, Gray, Odobert, Son, Tel, Moore, Ajayi, Scarlett.

Confirmed Manchester United team

Here is the Manchester United team to take on Tottenham:

Tottenham players inspect pitch

The Tottenham squad have arrived at the San Mames Stadium ahead of tonight's huge clash.

While Ange Postecoglou and members of the Tottenham coaching staff went inside the changing room, the playing squad made their way out onto the pitch.

It was a nice moment for Spurs' stars, as they take one final look at this grand stadium before facing off against Man Utd.

After making his stance clear on outside investment, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy saw his net worth rise, as confirmed in The Sunday Times 2025 Rich List.

The 63-year-old has faced significant criticism from supporters over recent years with many of the belief the club are not ambitious enough in the transfer market, and that it often results in a manager merry-go-round which has resulted in nine different head coaches over the last 13 years.

In this current era of football, however, with profit and sustainability rules a real concern, it cannot be argued that he has not kept the club safe from any financial burdens.

The new stadium, which was opened in 2019, has undoubtedly been a key part in that and as such Spurs have still been able to operate without huge fear even considering the losses made due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Much has been about possible takeovers in the last few years with Levy publicly making his stance clear last year. "To capitalise on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the club requires a significant increase in its equity base," he said.

"The board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors.

"Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the club's shareholders."

Former Newcastle shareholder Amanda Staveley has been suggested as a possible investor having sold her shares in the north east club back in July 2024

Music artist Jay-Z is also rumoured to be interested while Qatari investment - notably from Sheikh Jassim - has not been ruled out, although he would likely prefer a full takeover and of Europa League final rivals Manchester United.

Unsurprisingly, with the north London club also benefiting from multiple non-football event, Levy has seen his net worth increase up to £650million which sees him ranked 236th in the Sunday Times Rich List. From last year, he has jumped up 73 places as his net worth is deemed to have increased by £200million.

Showcasing his wealth, King Charles is below him in the standings, with David and Victoria Beckham also lower down in the list.

A Europa League triumph could also see that further increase - with Tottenham to receive a significant amount of prize money and also take in the huge funds that will come their way through playing Champions League football.

Despite only being able to name a UEFA 'A-List ' squad of 23-players for the Europa League, Tottenham have used 33 different individuals on their route to the final. Ange Postecoglou is missing a host of those in Bilbao but it won't stop them from getting potential winners medals.

Unlike in the Premier League, UEFA do not add any stipulations or rules regarding who is eligible or not for a medal. It means that a host of players who have either not been involved at all this season or since the group phase finished, could find themselves with a surprise medal.

The Premier League limit winners medals to those who have played at least five times. UEFA, however, simply offer out 50 to the winning team and allow the club to divide them between the players and staff as is seen fit. The losers get 40 silver medals.

This not only means that players like James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, who will miss the final through injury, can claim a winners' medal if Tottenham are victorious in Spain on Wednesday, but so can others. Alfie Whiteman suffered a season-ending injury and hasn't made an appearance but could be given a medal, for example.

There are a host of young players who may well not make the matchday squad against United who could also be rewarded. Both Callum Olusesi and Oyindamola Ajayi played a single game in the Europa League this season and might be given a medal.

Alfie Dorrington did not play in Europe but has made one appearance. Dane Scarlett has five total matches with two in the Europa League but none from the start.

Even January signing Kevin Danso has hardly played but might yet get a medal. He has started once out of two Europa League appearances.

Others, such as Fraser Forster, Timo Werner, and Radu Dragusin, were not included in the knockout stage squad which was submitted at the end of the winter transfer window (which closed in early February). None of them, therefore, have helped Tottenham in their most perilous Europa League fixtures against AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt.

Injuries have not stopped Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Maddison, Bergvall, or Scarlett from travelling with the squad to the final. Postecoglou has taken a large party out to Spain with him including Antonin Kinsky and Whiteman.

Will Lankshear, who spent the second half of the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, has played and scored for Spurs in the Europa League and cannot feature in the final but is among those to have flown to Bilbao. He could be in line for a winners' medal should Tottenham clinch victory.

Speaking ahead of the final, Postecoglou admitted: "It’s such a big game tomorrow, there is an opportunity to fulfil at least the main task which is to bring trophies to the club."

He added, addressing the chance to qualify for the Champions League: "It’s a great prize, the significance of Champions League qualification and what it means for every football club. There are the obvious benefits but also you get the opportunity to play against the best in the continent.

"But the club has been in the Champions League before. It hasn’t won a trophy for a long time. So that’s the most important thing."

Tottenham play their biggest game of the last six years this evening when they face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Ange Postecoglou has been handed three injury blows in the lead up to the showpiece clash which has left him with several big decisions to make. Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski all being unavailable means at least one replacement needs to be selected.

With Yves Bissouma filling in excellently for Bergvall and Kulusevski initially as Maddison's replacement, Postecoglou just needs to decide who fills that creative void.

Pape Matar Sarr is perhaps the most natural replacement but that would leave Spurs lacking a real driving threat from midfield. Wilson Odobert was trialled in the role against Aston Villa last Friday night but mostly struggled to impact proceedings.

There are also decisions to be made in the wide areas with five players fighting for the two spots either side of Dominic Solanke.

Brennan Johnson and Richarlison started the two semi-final games but Odobert, Mathys Tel and club captain Son Heung-min, now back from injury, are other options.

The latter, despite his inconsistent form, appears destined to start as he is one of the only players that can pull of a piece of magic from nothing.

Johnson is the most likely option on the right given his reliability, and knack for scoring important goals, especially when factoring in the explosiveness that Tel and Odobert can potentially provide from the bench.

The two French attackers started at Villa Park and while they mostly found it difficult to make a difference going forward, impacting the action up against tired legs is the best way to use their traits. However, Tel has hinted he will be getting a little bit more than that.

On Instagram, the Bayern Munich loannee has uploaded a pre-match graphic which certainly suggests he will have a prominent involvement in proceedings.

A spot in the squad is guaranteed and even if he is on the bench, an early introduction is plausible given recent decisions made by Postecoglou.

The back five, meanwhile, picks itself with Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, barring any late shocks, guaranteed to start after all being rested against Aston Villa.

Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, given the options available, are expected to be deployed in front of them and the midfield duo will be needed to stop Bruno Fernandes from controlling the game.

Tottenham Hotspur have the dream chance to lift silverware and secure a place in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Spurs are due to take on Premier League rivals Manchester United in the Europa League final with a place in the elite European competition up for grabs. Both teams have had poor seasons in the Premier League, as they sit in 17th and 16th place in the table respectively.

But for one of those sides, the season will seem a whole lot better with victory in the Europa League.

Tottenham have come out victorious in all three matches against United so far this campaign. Most recently James Maddison’s goal was the difference between the two sides, despite travelling with the squad the midfielder will be forced to sit out the final through injury.

Here's everything you need about following the final;

What time does Tottenham vs Man Utd kick-off?

The match takes place on Wednesday, May 21 with kick-off coming at 8pm. The meeting will be played at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

Is Tottenham vs Man Utd being shown live on TV?

Yes, the game is being shown live through TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Discovery+ subscribers will also be able to stream the game via the Discovery+ website and app.

For fans overseas the game will be available on various different channels, depending on where you are watching from. In Canada, for example, the match will be available on DAZN Canada.

In the USA, the game will be shown on Paramount+ and fuboTV.

Meanwhile, over in Ange Postecoglou's native Australia, it will be on Stan Sport.

How else can I follow the Europa League final?

Live national radio commentary of the game will be available on both talkSPORT and BBC Radio Five Live.

Welsh football icon Gareth Bale is set to resume his punditry role for TNT Sports tonight, more than two years after hanging up his boots.

The 35-year-old will join the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes in analysing the Europa League final between Manchester United and his former side Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao. Bale has previously lent his expertise to TNT Sport's Champions League coverage earlier this season and will be back behind the microphone this Wednesday evening.

Bale retired from professional football at 33 in 2023, leaving a legacy as one of the most decorated players of his generation and, in the eyes of some, the greatest British player ever, boasting 18 major trophies.

Internationally, he earned 111 caps for Wales, netting a record 41 goals and guiding them to three significant tournaments, including their first World Cup appearance in 64 years in 2022.

On the club front, Bale rose through the ranks at Southampton before making a name for himself at Spurs and securing a then-record £85 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2013, reports Wales Online.

His stint in Spain was marked by five Champions League victories and three La Liga titles, before concluding his illustrious career with an MLS Cup triumph with Los Angeles FC.

Even after hanging up his boots, Gareth Bale continues to bask in the limelight, keeping fans updated with snapshots of luxurious holidays, star-studded events, and rounds of golf on world-class courses.

Here's a glimpse into the Welsh wizard's post-retirement life, from his remarkable physical transformation to his blissful family life with his childhood sweetheart.

Gareth Bale net worth

Bale's financial clout remains formidable even in retirement.

The ex-Real Madrid star was known to rake in a staggering £600,000 weekly during his peak playing days, but he's also made savvy business decisions to maintain his wealth.

In 2017, Bale launched 'Elevens', his own bar in Cardiff, followed by the opening of a mini-golf themed bar, Par 59, expanding to a second location in Bristol five years later.

Despite being teetotal, Bale has made a "significant investment" in Penderyn Distillery, securing a minority stake, and has put money into Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL golf league.

His bank balance has been further bolstered through lucrative endorsement deals with big names like Adidas, Playstation, and BMW.

While estimates vary, some suggest Bale's net worth hovers around the £115 million mark.

The latest Sunday Times Rich List has notably omitted Gareth Bale from its 40 Under 40 list, hinting that his wealth may be below the £100 million mark.

Hairdresser wife

Bale wed his childhood sweetheart and former hairdresser Emma Rhys-Jones in 2019. By the time they exchangTed vows, the couple had already welcomed three children - Alba, Nava, and Axel - with their fourth child, Xander, arriving in 2021.

The family is frequently spotted travelling to exotic locations worldwide, with Bale sharing snapshots of their holidays to Abu Dhabi, Lapland, and the United States on social media.

Their romance began at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff, leading to an engagement in July 2016 during Bale's birthday weekend, culminating in a wedding on the secluded Spanish isle of Tagomago in the summer of 2019.

The intimate wedding was attended by just 60 guests, who were only informed of the exact location 24 hours prior and were required to surrender their mobile phones to ex-SAS security personnel.

The nuptials followed a postponement due to "family turmoil" on Emma's side, which saw her father imprisoned and her brother-in-law pass away.

Emma's sister Katie is married to Welsh rugby icon Taulupe Faletau, making him Bale's brother-in-law.

Body transformation

At 35, Bale has undergone a remarkable transformation from the young talent who first emerged at Southampton nearly two decades ago.

Starting his career as a "skinny and shy" lad on the South coast, Gareth Bale quickly bulked up and gained confidence, eventually reaching his physical zenith after his move to Madrid. Images of his massive muscular thighs and bulging biceps went viral on social media.

Even in retirement, Bale has maintained his remarkable physique, flaunting his toned torso and six-pack while hitting the beach in Abu Dhabi last year.

But it's not just his body that's transformed over time; Bale reportedly had cosmetic work done on his ears. Subjected to teasing for his protruding ears in his youth, the Mirror reported in 2013 that the Welsh wizard had "discreetly" visited a top plastic surgeon's clinic during the summer to have his ears pinned back.

His hairstyle has seen its fair share of evolution too, with his iconic top-knot now replaced by a neater trim compared to his playing days.

£4m home and new career

Bale's illustrious career, spanning the Championship, Premier League, La Liga, and Major League Soccer, has seen him acquire properties across the globe.

Last year, reports emerged that his lavish Madrid mansion was snapped up by football sensation Kylian Mbappe for an impressive £11 million.

Gareth Bale's love affair with golf is no secret, but his £4 million abode in the Vale of Glamorgan takes it to another level, featuring six bedrooms, a dressing room and study, and notably, a bespoke three-hole golf course within its grounds.

The garden's miniature course is a golfer's fantasy, boasting recreations of three iconic holes – the 17th at Sawgrass, Royal Troon's 'postage stamp' 8th hole, and the 12th at Augusta National.

Renowned for integrating golf into his very active footballing days, Bale has been reported to play off an impressive two handicap.

With his retirement from football, he has pivoted even more towards golf, rubbing shoulders on the green with golfing royalty like Rory McIlroy, who praised Bale's prowess. "He has the potential to get to scratch [a handicap of zero], the way he hits the ball he could be a scratch player, but he's only played for the last few years," McIlroy remarked following a round together at an event last year.

McIlroy noted that while Bale strikes the ball with skill, refining game management and course navigation are the aspects he's currently mastering. "There is a difference between being able to hit the golf ball well and getting yourself around the golf course and managing your game – that's the part he's learning now."

Bale's affinity for the green also extends beyond playing; he became a figurehead for the Underrated Golf European Tour, initiated by basketball luminary Steph Curry and has collaborated with Adidas on their golf-related content.