#2 Lifted the underdogs to the semi-finals
Many Welsh football fans were ecstatic that a Gareth Bale-inspired Wales had qualified for the Euros after 57 years. But Bale wasn’t interested in just making up the numbers. Wales topped their group following his blistering performances in the group stages. He also helmed the Welsh charge as they made it all the way to the semi-finals of the tournament, scoring three goals and assisting one.
He was also responsible for whipping in a wicked cross that Gareth McAuley turned into his own net in the quarter-finals. Though they lost in the semi-finals against Portugal, Bale was voted as one of the players in the team of the tournament and was hugely responsible for Wales making it so far despite the odds.