Gareth Bale: The Night the 'Unplayable' Star Dismantled Iceland

Gareth Bale had proven himself on the biggest stage of all, but he had yet to prove it on the international stage.

Gareth Bale was a rising star after helping Tottenham reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. But Real Madrid would stump up a then-world record £85m fee to sign Bale, and he soon became part of one of the most feared attacks in world football, alongside Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Bale's star would continue to rise as Real Madrid enjoyed a period of dominance under Carlo Ancelotti aided greatly by Bale's stunning performances.

Ancelotti's charges would reach the final of their Champions League campaign, where they would face rivals Atletico Madrid. Bale started that final on the bench but he scored a stunning goal to put Real ahead after coming on, and he also created the team's fourth goal with an inch-perfect cross. Real would win that final 4-1, and Bale was named man of the match.

Bale had proven himself on the biggest stage of all, but he had yet to prove it on the international stage.

He had been impressive for Wales in the qualification campaign for the 2016 European Championship, with his four goals and four assists proving crucial in Wales' qualification. And he would continue his fine form in the tournament itself.

In Wales' opening game against Slovakia, Bale produced a masterful performance.

He scored twice and won a penalty as his side came from behind to win 2-1. He continued his fine form in the second game of Group B against England, when he scored a sensational free-kick to secure a 1-1 draw. In the final group game against Russia, Bale was again on the scoresheet as Wales won 3-0 to secure top spot in Group B.

Bale's performances carried Wales to the semi-finals, where they faced Portugal

In that semi-final match in Lyon, Bale scored one of the greatest goals in Wales' history. He received the ball on the left wing, and he skipped past three players and then fired a low shot into the bottom corner. His goal was enough to take Wales to their first major tournament final, and it also secured him the man of the match award.

In the final against Portugal, Bale was again excellent, and Wales were unlucky not to win the game.

He was a constant threat down the left wing, and he created several chances for his teammates. But it was Portugal who would win the match 1-0 thanks to Eder's goal in extra time.

Bale's performances at Euro 2016 saw him become the first Welsh player to be named the UEFA Player of the Tournament.

He was also named to the UEFA Team of the Tournament, and he was shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or. Bale's performances at Euro 2016 confirmed his status as one of the best players in the world, and they also helped to raise the profile of the Wales national team.