With Gareth Bale again making the headlines ahead of Wales’ game against Israel, here’s a look at seven of the best players as well as the Real Madrid star to never manage an appearance at a major international tournament…
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1) Gareth Bale
Previously one of the best players in the Premier League, Gareth Bale became the most expensive player of all time when he left Tottenham Hotspur for Real Madrid in 2013. Still, the Welshman – a Champions League winner with Real – is yet to play at a major international tournament such as the World Cup, but he’ll be hoping he can help guide Wales to Euro 2016 with some big performances in their next round of qualifiers.
2) Ryan Giggs
One of the best Welsh players of all time and a true Premier League great for his long and distinguished career with Manchester United, Ryan Giggs is another huge name who never made it to a World Cup or European Championship.
3) Ian Rush
Yet another Welshman – Liverpool legend Ian Rush was a real goalscoring great at his peak, but couldn’t do enough to help Wales to a major tournament.
4) George Best
A real tragedy in one of the finest talents ever seen in Britain, Northern Ireland couldn’t get to a major tournament to allow Manchester United legend George Best to showcase his ability on the biggest stage.
5) George Weah
An under-rated great of the modern era, George Weah was a Ballon d’Or winner with AC Milan but couldn’t do enough to inspire the Liberian national team to a World Cup.
6) Matt Le Tissier
For some reason snubbed time and time again by England, Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier is another unfortunate star never to make it to a major international tournament, despite clearly being one of the most gifted players of his generation.
7) Paolo Di Canio
A controversial character, but undoubtedly a top talent on his day, Paolo Di Canio was one of the Premier League’s best players for much of his time in England, but somehow never managed a single call-up to the Italian national team, meaning he never made it to an international tournament at all.