The Welshman hit the headlines at the end of last year when he held the notorious 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.' banner.
Next week, in all likelihood, Gareth Bale will still be a Real Madrid player.
It is when Zinedine Zidane will start his pre-season training and, if reports coming out of Madrid are to be believed, he would rather not see the Welshman walk through the door at the club's Valdebebas training complex.
What Zidane is dreading more, however, is when Bale finally gets the chance to play again a week later – for Wales in next month's UEFA Nations League.
Ryan Giggs' men begin their campaign against Finland on September 3 before facing Bulgaria just three days later and, according to Spanish outlet AS, Los Blancos are dreading it.
For Bale, it gives him the chance to actually play a game of football, which has been something of a rarity of late.
The winger, still undoubtedly Wales' talisman, has endured a rocky few months with the Spanish champions. His relationship with Zidane is said to be worse than ever and some outlets have even gone as far as to say it is irreparable.
Since February 16, Bale has played just 100 minutes of La Liga football. Earlier this month he reportedly asked not to travel to Manchester for the Champions League clash with City because he knew he wouldn't be picked and his journey would be fruitless.
That, of course, will not be the case with Wales, for whom he is still so important.
Bale loves linking up with the Wales camp, where he enjoys his football and has enjoyed being such a vital component to the success over the last few years.
But, importantly, the game against Finland will represent his first outing in 71 days amid an insidious and unsightly freeze-out in the Spanish capital.
Madrid, however, are said to be fearful of Bale's link-up with the national team.
Media outlet AS claim the Spanish giants are concerned about what the 31-year-old will say while on press duties and are worried he might speak ill of his employers.
Most notably, they do not want another episode such as last November when Bale held up that now infamous 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.' flag after he helped secure Wales' spot in Euro 2020 with a win over Hungary.
Madrid are said to be bracing themselves for Bale's appearance in the red of Wales and it is reported they have demanded respect and decorum from the player.
Bale will doubtless just be looking forward to getting back out on the pitch again. His fans here, too, will be desperate to see him enjoying his football again.