Gareth Bale remains Wales' greatest and is, in many ways, irreplaceable. That said, Harry Wilson has done an impressive job of stepping into the spotlight and helping his country adapt since Bale's retirement in 2023.
Bale left a huge legacy — the nation's top goalscorer and appearance-maker — and a team that had often revolved around his moments of magic. Wilson has taken on more responsibility: 12 of his 17 international goals have arrived since Bale's exit, several from long range and with a left foot that now produces the kind of highlight moments Wales desperately needed.
Wilson is quick to reject direct comparisons. 'We can't replace Bale,' he said, insisting Bale was 'our best ever player' and that filling the void would be a collective task. Still, Wilson is happy with his own form and the numbers he has posted since Bale stepped away.
He has delivered big moments — notably a captain's hat-trick in Wales' 7-1 win over North Macedonia — and now faces high-stakes matches as Wales chase a 2026 World Cup place. A play-off semi-final with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cardiff, and a potential final at home against Italy or Northern Ireland, means creative players like Wilson are expe
