The 36-year-old striker has confirmed he will retire after Gillingham’s final League Two fixture of the season, closing the curtain on a 20-year professional journey that delivered more than 750 appearances and 64 caps for his country.
But while his club career spanned the length of the English pyramid, it is his contribution to Wales national team that defines his legacy.
Vokes remains a cult hero among Wales supporters, largely thanks to his decisive goal against Belgium at UEFA Euro 2016 — a towering header that sealed a famous 3-1 quarter-final victory and helped propel Wales to a historic semi-final appearance.
It was one of the most iconic moments in Welsh football history, and Vokes was right at its heart.
Reflecting on his international career, he made clear just how much wearing the national shirt meant to him.
"To have represented Wales 64 times over 12 years and to have experienced everything that comes with international football was a dream.
"Sharing the Welsh dressing room with all the amazing players, managers, coaches and staff members was a privilege.
"To have had the chance to go on the unbelievable journey with Wales, from some of the tough times we faced to reaching the heights of 2016 and also having the chance to play football all over the world representing Cymru is something I'll never forget."
That sense of gratitude runs through his entire career. From humble beginnings watching Southampton FC at The Dell, to climbing through every tier of English football, Vokes never lost sight of what the game gave him.
"I remember watching my team, the Saints, down at The Dell, dreaming of one day making just one appearance in professional football.
"Never did I dream I would be fortunate enough to have played across all four divisions and represent some amazing clubs."
His club journey took in spells with Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley — where he twice won promotion to the Premier League — along with later stints at Stoke City, Wycombe Wanderers and Gillingham.
Now, as he prepares for his final appearance, Vokes steps away with a career characterised not just by longevity, but by moments that mattered — none more so than that night in France, when his header against Belgium turned a dream into a lasting piece of Welsh sporting folklore.
"It's been 20 years since my debut and after 750 appearances, including 64 caps for Wales, this Saturday's match at Gillingham will be my last," Vokes wrote in a post on social media.
"I feel now is the right time to retire from a career I have absolutely loved."
