David Silva

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David Josué Jiménez Silva (born 8 January 1986) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for La Liga club Real Sociedad. Silva plays mainly as a central or an attacking midfielder but can also play as a winger or second striker. He is predominantly a left-footed player and his passing ability and possession-retaining qualities have earned him the nicknames “Merlin” and “El Mago” from his teammates and fans. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest midfielders in the world and in the history of the Premier League.

Silva spent six years of his professional career with Valencia CF, appearing in more than 160 games and winning a Copa del Rey in 2008. In the summer of 2010, he moved to Manchester City and has since appeared in over 400 matches. With them he has won two FA Cups, five League Cups and four Premier League titles. He is regarded as one of Manchester City’s greatest ever players alongside Billy Meredith, Bert Trautmann, Colin Bell and Sergio Agüero.

Silva also represented Spain, from his debut for the senior team in 2006 until his international retirement in 2018. He formed a midfield partnership with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta which led to three consecutive international tournament victories – UEFA Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2012. He is one of 13 Spanish players to have amassed 100 caps, he scored 35 goals in his international career, making him the 4th highest goalscorer in Spain’s history, and also provided 28 assists, making him the second-highest assist provider in Spain’s history.

Honours

Clubs

Valencia

Manchester City

International

Spain

Individual

Decorations

• Medalla de Oro de Canarias: 2010
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2011

Spain

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2009 FIFA Confederations Cup

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