Gareth Bale back in Los Angeles! Ex-Real Madrid gets warm reception after returning to LAFC to watch former side earn huge MLS derby win over LA Galaxy

On Saturday, the 34-year-old was reunited with former Tottenham team-mate and now LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, along with some current members of the MLS outfit. The former footballer, who retired from the game after a short stint at LAFC in 2022, was in attendance as Steve Cherundolo's team won the local bragging rights against the Galaxy to rise to fifth in the Western Conference.

Bale enjoyed a glittering career, with spells at Tottenham, Real Madrid and Southampton, before joining LAFC just under two years ago. He only featured 13 times for the Los Angeles outfit but he played a huge part in their 2022 MLS Cup success as his 128th-minute goal tied the game at 3-3 and they went onto win the penalty shootout. The winger retired from football in January 2023 following the 2022 World Cup.

Bale's old side LAFC are next in MLS action away to Portland Timbers on Saturday, before hosting New York Red Bulls a week later. Since retiring, the 34-year-old has, unsurprisingly, been playing a lot of golf around the world.