Bale notches 1st international hat-trick to become Wales' all-time top scorer

Gareth Bale has become Wales' all-time top scorer after netting his 29th goal for his country - and his first international hat-trick - in a friendly against China.

The Real Madrid winger overtakes Ian Rush for the national team's top honour, with the previous record of 28 goals being set on May 23, 1994. Prior to Thursday's treble, Bale's last international strike had come on Nov. 12, 2016.

Bale's performances helped propel Wales to new heights, with the former Tottenham man guiding his team to its first appearance in a major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup by qualifying for Euro 2016, where they reached the semi-finals.

However, his efforts were not enough to secure a berth in the 2018 World Cup, as Wales was eliminated for the quadrennial competition by Ireland with Bale absent through injury.

The 28-year-old reached this latest individual milestone in his 68th appearance for Wales.