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Most capped male Wales players ever: Gareth Bale out in front

Five-time UEFA Champions League winner Gareth Bale is Wales' all-time record appearance maker having received 111 international caps for his country.

The ex-Tottenham winger is one of three players to have amassed over a century of caps for Wales' men's national team, along with goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and full-back Chris Gunter who have both accrued 109 each.

We delve into the record books to assess the most capped male Wales players of all time.

Football

Most capped male Wales players ever

Rank

Player

Caps

1

Gareth Bale

111

2

Wayne Hennessey

109

2

Chris Gunter

109

4

Neville Southall

92

4

Ben Davies

92

6

Aaron Ramsey

86

6

Ashley Williams

86

8

Gary Speed

85

9

Craig Bellamy

78

10

Joe Ledley

77

Gareth Bale - 111

Quite simply, Wales's greatest footballer. Gareth Bale putting on the red shirt of Wales was akin to Superman donning his cape; not that he was lacking at club level, but something seemed to happen when Bale represented his country.

As his career progressed and his profile rose, Bale was often deployed more centrally where he could be more potent, a move that often paid dividends.

Bale would retire with a remarkable 41 goals, many of which were crucial to his nation's appearances at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.

Wayne Hennessey - 109

Making his breakthrough at Wolves, it didn't take long for Wayne Hennessey to establish himself for the national side, picking up his first cap in 2007.

Although he's not always been a first-choice keeper at club level, Hennessey has typically been the number one for Wales for much of the last 17 years.

Chris Gunter - 109

Although Gareth Bale holds the record as Wales's most-capped player, Chris Gunter will forever be the first player to clear 100 caps for the Dragons.

Gunter made his debut in 2007 and was a regular for more than a decade, playing at Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Neville Southall - 92

A two-time First Division winner, a two-time FA Cup winner and a European Cup Winners' Cup winner with Everton, Neville Southall also held the accolade as Wales' most capped player before being overtaken by Chris Gunter.

Making his debut in 1982, Southall was a regular for the national side for the best part of 15 years.

Ben Davies - 92

After his breakthrough season with Swansea City in 2012, Ben Davies quickly became a part of the Wales set-up, and was a regular feature for the side in their runs to Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Still only 31 with plenty of time on his side, Davies has every chance of joining Bale, Gunter and Hennessey in the 100 club.

Aaron Ramsey - 86

Unquestionably, one of Wales's most gifted footballers, Aaron Ramsey had not just his international career but his entire footballing career jeopardised by a leg break as a teenager.

Though the recovery period sidelined Ramsey for the better part of a year, the midfielder bounced back to become a vital cog in Wales's midfield. While injuries prevented him reaching 100 caps, he still ranks in the top 10 for Wales appearances.

Ashley Williams - 86

A classic late bloomer, Ashley Williams spent the early years of his career in non-league before drifting between League One and League Two.

Getting his big break at Swansea, Williams became a regular fixture in the Wales squad, scoring the opening goal for the Dragons in the 3-1 win over Belgium a Euro 2016.

Gary Speed - 85

The late, great Gary Speed at the time of his international retirement was behind only Neville Southall for Wales caps.

A consummate professional, Speed held the record for the most Premier League appearances before being overtaken by Ryan Giggs, and was captain on 44 occasions for the national side.

Craig Bellamy - 78

Although injuries hampered Craig Bellamy's chances of ever becoming Wales's most-capped player, Bellamy receive the honour of captaining his nation for four years.

Scoring in 11 consecutive years for the Dragons, Bellamy ended his playing career with 78 caps and 19 goals and now finds himself in the dugout.

Joe Ledley - 77

Making his debut in 2005, Joe Ledley would establish himself as a key member of the Wales squad throughout their golden years.

Despite fracturing his leg the May before Euro 2016, Ledley recovered in time to play all six games as the Dragons made it to the semi-finals.

*Stats correct as of 28th November 2024.

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