On This Day in 2013: Gareth Bale scoops two PFA awards after stunning campaign
The Welshman became only the third man in history to receive both prizes in the same campaign.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Bale rounded off a remarkable season at Tottenham by doing the double at the PFA Player of the Year awards on this day in 2013.
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.
“It’s a massive honour,” Bale said.
“To be voted by your peers is one of the biggest things in the game. It’s great to win it and I am delighted.”
Ronaldo scooped both the young player and the main award in 2007, 30 years after Gray become the first professional to do so.
To be voted by your peers is one of the biggest things in the game. It's great to win it and I am delighted
Bale claimed the senior award two years earlier after shooting to fame with a series of scintillating displays domestically and in the Champions League.
He went on to become an even better player, transforming himself into a goal-scoring machine that netted 31 goals in 52 appearances for club and country in 2012-13 before landing a world-record £85.3million move to Real Madrid that summer.
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.