David Villa

Spain's all-time top goalscorer and a key figure in the nation's Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup triumphs.

David Villa Sánchez is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a striker. Regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, Villa is the all-time top goalscorer of the Spain national team. He made his international debut for Spain in 2005 and participated in four major tournaments. He was an integral member of the Spain teams that won UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Quick Facts

Full name: David Villa Sánchez
Born: 3 December 1981
Birthplace: Langreo, Spain
Height: 1.75 m / 5 ft 9 in
Position: Striker

Lore & Background

Villa made his international debut for Spain in 2005. He participated in four major tournaments, and was an integral member of the Spain teams that won UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored three goals at the 2006 World Cup, was the top scorer at Euro 2008, and earned the Silver Boot at the 2010 World Cup. His displays for Spain and Valencia saw him named in the FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year for 2010. Having scored at the 2014 World Cup, Villa established himself as Spain's top scorer in World Cup history, with nine goals. He became the first Spanish player to ever reach 50 international goals and, after a brief comeback in 2017, he retired from the national team with 59 goals in 98 matches.

Reader's Guide

David Villa's international career is defined by his goalscoring records and his role in Spain's golden era. He debuted in 2005 and participated in four major tournaments. He was the top scorer at UEFA Euro 2008, helping Spain win the tournament. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he earned the Silver Boot and was integral to Spain's victory. He was the first Spanish player to reach 50 international goals. After a brief comeback in 2017, he retired with 59 goals in 98 matches, cementing his status as the nation's all-time top goalscorer.