David Villa

Spanish striker who became his country's all-time leading scorer with 59 goals in 98 appearances, winning World Cup 2010 and Euro 2008 and 2012.

David Villa Sánchez was born in Tuilla, Asturias in 1981, son of a coal miner, and began at Sporting de Gijón (1999–2003). Valencia (2003–2010) saw him emerge as Spain's finest centre-forward — scoring 129 goals in 225 appearances. Barcelona (2010–13) brought the Champions League (2011) and La Liga title before Atlético Madrid (2013–14) and New York City FC (2014–18). He earned 98 Spain caps scoring 59 goals — the national record — and won three consecutive international tournaments: Euro 2008 (4 goals, top scorer), World Cup 2010 (5 goals, top scorer), Euro 2012. He scored 398 career goals and provided 147 assists in 864 appearances. His top speed of 33.8 km/h was exceptional and he covered 10.5 km per game. He scored in the World Cup final against Netherlands, the first Spaniard to score in a World Cup final. He suffered a serious leg fracture in December 2011 but returned to play until 2020. He retired in November 2020 at 38. He later founded an agency to help promote football in Asia.

Clinical finisher with excellent movement in the box, capable of scoring with both feet

Spain's greatest striker who led the golden generation to World Cup and European Championship glory

• FIFA World Cup 2010 (top scorer, 5 goals)
• UEFA Euro 2008 (top scorer, 4 goals), 2012
• Champions League 2011 (Barcelona)
• La Liga 2011, 2013
• MLS Cup 2015 (NYCFC)
• World Cup 2010
• UEFA Euro 2008
• UEFA Euro 2012
• Champions League 2011
• La Liga 2011
• La Liga 2013

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps	Goals	Shirt
Sporting de Gijón	2000–2003	40	129	#9
Valencia	2005–2010	173	68	#9
Barcelona	2010–2013	148	63	#9
New York City FC	2014–2019	127	48	#9
Real Zaragoza	2003–2005	68	21	—
Atlético Madrid	2013–2014	36	13	—
Melbourne City	2014–2015	4	2	—
Vissel Kobe	2019–2020	30	13	—
Spain	—	98	59	—