Gareth Bale gets his first job back in sport since retiring from professional football

Gareth Bale has his first official job back in the world of sport since his retirement from football.

Bale, 34, called time on his professional career in 2023 after just one season in the MLS with Los Angeles FC.

He hung up his boots as one of the most decorated British footballers in history, having won three La Liga titles and the Champions League five times during his spell with Real Madrid.

Wales' most-capped player said he arrived at his decision to retire "after careful and thoughtful consideration", explaining that he had "realised [his] dream".

Bale was renowned for being a keen golfer during his playing days, famously celebrating with a flag featuring the slogan 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order' after his nation qualified for Euro 2020.

He has had plenty of time to practise his golf swing since retirement, and it is that sport – rather than football – in which he has found his next role.

Gareth Bale has joined NBA star Steph Curry's 'Underrated Golf' as an ambassador for its inaugural European Tour.

It comes weeks after the Tottenham and Southampton star was spotted courtside at a Golden State Warriors game in Los Angeles.

Sharing a photo on Instagram of himself and Curry exchanging a jersey at the match, Bale captioned the post: "What a night watching these guys play up close. Great to see you [Stephen Curry] Excited for what's to come!"

Bale joins former Ladies European Tour player Henni Koyack as an ambassador for 'Underrated Golf', which will expand into Europe from the US with a first event in the UK at Walton Heath Golf Course in May.

"It's an honour to join Stephen Curry and his Underrated Golf European Tour as ambassador as they expand their presence internationally this year," Bale said in a press release (via The Mirror).

Bale was spotted at a Golden State Warriors match earlier this month (Image: Getty)

"I've admired the work the tour has done in the U.S. to grow the game of golf, a sport I love and believe in the vast opportunities it provides.

"My role as an ambassador allows me to fuse my enthusiasm for the sport with my passion for creating multi-faced sports opportunities for youth within Wales, and I look forward to seeing the young athletes' skills when they step out on the greens at Walton Heath this May."

The first European event of 'Underrated Golf' is a 36-hole stroke play event and will span two days, featuring 96 players aged 12 to 18 coming from across the continent.

Two trophies - one each for boys and girls - will be up for grabs, with the winners advancing to the Curry Cup Tour Championship in September.