Spain's all-time top scorer, World Cup winner and the finest Spanish striker of his generation.
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.
FIFA World Cup 2010 (top scorer, 5 goals)
Career Honours
- 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)