Born in Tuilla, Asturias, in 1981, David Villa Sánchez overcame a childhood femur fracture to become the all-time leading goalscorer for the Spanish national team. Known as El Guaje, he navigated a path through the regional leagues to emerge as a dominant striker for top-flight clubs, ultimately defining an era of success for both domestic teams and his country.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Villa began his journey at UP Langreo before joining the Mareo football school at age 17. Despite initial rejections from Real Oviedo based on his stature, he secured a professional start at Sporting de Gijón in the 2000–01 season. Following two productive years there, he transitioned to Real Zaragoza in 2003. His impact was immediate; he scored 17 league goals in his first season and contributed to a Copa del Rey victory against Real Madrid, cementing his status as a formidable finisher.
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The striker moved to Valencia in 2005 for a fee of 12 million euros, a five-season tenure that established him as a premier talent in La Liga. In 2010, Barcelona signed him for 40 million euros. His time at the club yielded both a league title and a UEFA Champions League victory, where he scored in the 2011 final. He later joined Atlético Madrid for one season, securing another league title and reaching the 2014 UEFA Champions League final before moving to New York City.
International Dominance
Villa earned his first senior cap for Spain in 2005. He played a central role in the nation's success at UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he earned the Silver Boot. With nine goals across multiple tournaments, he stands as Spain’s top scorer in World Cup history. By the time he concluded his international career, he had recorded 59 goals in 98 appearances, becoming the first Spaniard to surpass the 50-goal milestone.
Final Years and Legacy
After departing the Spanish capital, Villa joined the New York City franchise, where he became their record goalscorer and appearance maker, earning the MLS MVP Award in 2016. He finished his career with a stint at Vissel Kobe in Japan, retiring in 2020. Currently, he serves as the vice-president of CF Benidorm and holds a position on the Board of Directors for Atlético Madrid.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Langreo, Spain
- Primary Position: Striker
- International Goals: 59
- International Caps: 98
- Retired: 2020
- Awards: Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit
- Languages: Spanish, Asturian
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of Villa's nickname?
He is called El Guaje, which means The Kid in Asturian, due to his habit of playing football with children older than himself.
Which club did Villa join after leaving Barcelona?
In 2013, he transferred to Atlético Madrid.
Achievements
- Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit
- 2010 FIFA World Cup
- 2014 FIFA World Cup
- 2006 FIFA World Cup
