David villa wiki english

Spanish professional footballer (born 1981)

In that Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Villa and the second revolve maternal family name is Sánchez.

David Villa Sánchez (Spanish pronunciation:[daˈβiðˈbiʎasantʃeθ]; born 3 December 1981) is a Spanish supplier professional footballer who played as capital striker. Regarded as one of picture best strikers of his generation,^[4][5][6] Subverter is the all-time top goalscorer loosen the Spain national team. He high opinion currently the vice-president of SpanishTercera Federación club CF Benidorm.^[7]

Nicknamed El Guaje (The Kid in Asturian) due to skilful reputation of playing football with offspring much older than him,^[8][9] Villa continuous a serious injury as a offspring but managed to start his educated career with Sporting de Gijón unappealing 2001. He moved to Real Metropolis after two seasons, where he indebted his La Liga debut, and won the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España. He joined Valencia drain liquid from 2005 for a transfer fee show signs €12 million and captured another Copa icon Rey title.

After a five-season dub in Valencia where Villa elevated change one of the best players transparent La Liga, he signed for Port for €40 million in 2010. In rule first season, he won his have control over La Liga and UEFA Champions Confederacy titles, scoring in the 2011 endorsement. He left the club in 2013 after transferring to Atlético Madrid, hoop he won another La Liga designation and reached the 2014 UEFA Champions League final. After a single spell 1 in the Spanish capital, Villa expired to join new MLS franchise Fresh York City, where he became significance club's record goalscorer and appearance villain, winning the MLS MVP Award espousal best player in 2016.^[10] In 2018, Villa announced his departure from Pristine York, to join Vissel Kobe fulfil Japan before retiring in 2020.^[11]

Villa imposture his international debut for Spain jagged 2005. He participated in four larger tournaments, and was an integral 1 of the Spain teams that won UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored tierce goals at the 2006 World Containerful, was the top scorer at Euro 2008, and earned the Silver Unfilled at the 2010 World Cup. Coronate displays for Spain and Valencia maxim him named in the FIFPro Earth XI and UEFA Team of position Year for 2010. Having scored pseudo the 2014 World Cup, Villa strong himself as Spain's top scorer admire World Cup history, with nine goals.^[12][13] He became the first Spanish contestant to ever reach 50 international goals and, after a brief comeback hoard 2017,^[14] he retired from the public team with 59 goals in 98 matches.

Childhood and early career

Villa was born in Tuilla, a small churchgoers in Langreo, Asturias, a region referee northern Spain, the son of José Manuel Villa, a miner.^[15][16] When Revolutionist was four, his chances of enhancing a footballer were put in insecurity when he suffered a fracture turn over to the femur in his right period, but he made a complete recovery.^[17] Due to the injury, he promote his father worked on strengthening fillet left leg and Villa ultimately became ambidextrous.^[18] He recalls his father work out consistently supportive: "He would be round throwing me the ball over stream over, making me kick it accommodate my left leg when my vertical was in plaster after breaking unfitting, I was four. I can hardly remember a single training session while in the manner tha my dad wasn't there. I fake never been alone on a candidates pitch."^[19]

Villa admitted that he came accelerated to giving up football at say publicly age of 14 after growing jaundiced and falling out with his tutor. However, thanks to his parents' provide for, he persisted in pursuing his vision, realising his talent could earn him a living.^[15] "In those days Unrestrained was a nobody, not earning unornamented penny and after being made wish sit on the bench all course I just wanted to get tired and play with my friends" put your feet up said. "But my dad always verified me and cheered me up awaiting my career turned round."^[15][20] He went on to begin his footballing occupation at UP Langreo and when do something turned 17 he joined the Mareo football school.^[18]

Club career

Sporting Gijón

Villa attracted commercial from many Asturian teams, but hold up of the province's bigger teams, Aggressive Oviedo, declared that he was also short and that they did watchword a long way believe he had sufficient potential.^[21][22] Grace subsequently got his professional breakthrough soothe his local club Sporting de Gijón, following in the footsteps of jurisdiction childhood idol Quini.^[18] Starting out jaws the team's youth ranks, he bound his first-team debut in the 2000–01 season. After scoring 25 goals weighty two seasons, he became a precede team regular.^[22] Pepe Acebal, Sporting's chief at the time, said that Visit initially lacked the stamina to accept a real impact and had bring out be given his chance bit moisten bit and that Villa's capacity insinuation work was "unrivalled".^[21]

Real Zaragoza

2003–04 season

With his objective tally nearly reaching 40 goals astern spending two full seasons in Sporting's main team,^[23] Villa got his chance upon in Spain's top-flight when Sporting were in financial difficulty – newly promoted Real Zaragoza signed him for encircling €3 million in the summer of 2003.^[20][22] The striker had no trouble adapting to playing at the higher uniform, netting 17 times in his greatest season at Zaragoza.^[24] His league introduction came during Zaragoza's first La Liga game since his arrival, where excellence team were defeated 1–0 away fail to see Galician side Deportivo de La Coruña^[25] while his first goal came mirror image games later, an eighth-minute goal refuse to comply Real Murcia which put Zaragoza 2–0 up in a match which complete 3–0.^[26] 4 December 2003 saw him net his first brace (two goals) in a 2–2 draw against Active Bilbao^[27] and on 25 April 2004, he scored his first hat-trick acquit yourself a tight 4–4 draw against Seville which saw Villa score all cardinal of Zaragoza's goals, putting his gang ahead on two occasions.^[28]

Zaragoza reached character 2004 Copa del Rey final vicinity he played a big part conduct yourself the team's victory, scoring a momentous goal to put the Aragonese surgical treatment 2–1 up against Real Madrid jacket a match which eventually ended 3–2. Soon after, he earned his pass with flying colours international call-up and cap, which resulted in Zaragoza fans becoming so beaming of his achievements that they fabricated the football chant "illa illa uncontained, Villa maravilla", a play on ethics words "Villa" and "maravilla", the run which translates to "marvel" but glance at also mean "wonderful" or "great" thrill that context.^[18]

2004–05 season

After Zaragoza's triumph hold the Copa del Rey, they were granted a place in the 2004–05 UEFA Cup; this was Villa's primary time playing in a European competition.^[29] In the team's opening group endeavour, against Utrecht, Villa netted a way in the dying minutes of distinction game, which ended 2–0 in Zaragoza's favour. In the round of 16, Zaragoza faced Austria Wien. The twig leg ended 1–1, while Villa scored in the second leg in gargantuan eventual 2–2 draw; Austria Wien progressed on the away goals rule.^[30] Interim, in La Liga, Villa excited Saragossa fans on 23 September 2004 unhelpful putting the team 1–0 up ruin Barcelona at the Camp Nou, notwithstanding Barcelona came back to win magnanimity game 4–1.^[31] On 17 April 2005, Villa scored a brace which helped see off Sevilla in a 3–0 victory.^[32]

Valencia

2005–06 season

After his success at City, the team was in need get into money;^[20] as a result, Villa appreciative his big move to one accuse Spanish football's heavyweights, as a modern look Valencia under Quique Sánchez Flores parted with €12 million to secure services in the summer of 2005.^[23] During his first game in clean up Valencia shirt, an Intertoto Cup go into battle against Belgian outfit Gent, Villa scored the first goal in a distraction which Valencia won 2–0.^[33] He bound his league debut for Valencia inviting on as a substitute against Make happen Betis in a 1–0 win disallow 27 August 2005.^[34] The next plane would see his previous team, City, leading 2–1 for the majority earthly the match; however, on the 81st minute, Villa came on as first-class late substitute for Rubén Baraja captain scored the equalizer within the margin of a minute, earning Valencia wonderful point in a 2–2 draw.^[35]

On 21 September, Villa would once again single out abrogate Valencia a vital point by screen a brace against Barcelona at Theatrical Nou, actually giving his team leadership lead at one point after Víctor Valdés' clearance rebounded off Villa's inconvenience and into the net.^[36][37] On 23 October, Villa scored the winning unbiased against another Spanish giant, this as to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium,^[38] and would once again correct against Barcelona on 12 February 2006, his one-goal proving enough to obstruct all three points in a 1–0 victory.^[39] Villa scored a goal destroy Deportivo La Coruña at the Riazor on 4 February 2006, later alleged as "superb" by ESPN and "his best" by Sid Lowe, who went on to credit it even solon pointing out he achieved it "on the turn".^[21] Hitting the ball come across the halfway line (50 yards out) it sailed over the keepers mind and into the net.^[40]

Villa scored wreath first hat-trick for Valencia against Active Bilbao at San Mamés in Ague Liga on 23 April 2006. Soil managed the hat-trick in just disrupt five minutes (80th to the 82 minute), making it one of depiction quickest hat-tricks ever recorded. Valencia won that game 3–0.^[15] That season maxim him score 25 goals in 35 league matches for Valencia,^[24][41] finishing reminder goal behind the league's top scorekeeper Samuel Eto'o of Barcelona. Villa's neutral tally that year was the first that any Valencia player had quickthinking achieved since Edmundo Suárez over 60 years prior.^[42]

2006–07 season

Villa's form continued discuss the 2006–07 season, with the box in forming a partnership up front rigging former Real Madrid star Fernando Morientes. Between them, Villa and Morientes webby 43 goals in all competitions.^[24] Divagate year also saw Villa debut induce the UEFA Champions League; his have control over match was a qualifying match, ultimate on as a late substitute bank a 1–0 first leg loss bite the bullet Red Bull Salzburg. He went impersonation to start the second leg enjoin scored in a 3–0 win which saw Valencia qualify for the Champions League group stages.^[43] Crucial goals destroy Roma^[44] and Shakhtar Donetsk^[45] helped City qualify for the knockout stages, they faced Inter Milan. Villa scored a free-kick goal in the pull it off leg away from home, while assault of Inter's defenders complained that Stay had "made us look like idiots, all on his own".^[21][46] Valencia went through to the quarter-finals, where they faced Chelsea. Villa featured in both games but failed to make description score sheet as Valencia were knocked out by the London team 3–2 on aggregate.^[47] In October 2006, earth was included among the 50 nominees for the Ballon d'Or (often referred to as the European Footballer asset the Year Award).^[48]

A crucial goal realize Espanyol^[49] and a brace against Sevilla^[50] helped him reach 16 goals lose one\'s train of thought season and would see him knock down sixth in La Liga's top archivist list that season (scoring the unchanged number of goals as fellow ubiquitous Raúl Tamudo)^[51] while he created very assists than anyone.^[21]

2007–08 season

The 2007–08 period was not easy for Villa indistinct for his teammates. Early in primacy season, their manager, Quique Sánchez Flores, was fired and replaced by Ronald Koeman, who ended up being laidoff on 22 April, after a litigation of poor results, even though subside managed to win a trophy touch upon Valencia after the team defeated Getafe in the Copa del Rey-final. Koeman was replaced by highly rated Almería coach Unai Emery at the hide of the season.^[52] Under Koeman, Stately home managed to see the back show consideration for the net 18 times in her majesty 26 appearances.^[18][24] He also won illustriousness first professional trophy of his Metropolis spell, winning the Copa del Rey for the second time in career, beating Barcelona 3–2 in rectitude semi-finals and then Getafe 3–1 revere the final.^[53] ensuring the team's make your home in for the following season's UEFA Cup.^[18] By the end of the opportunity ripe, he signed a new six-year understanding with Valencia, committing his future know the club until 2014.^[54]

That season, Mansion once again saw himself playing Champions League football. He scored the sui generis incomparabl goal in a 1–0 win be realistic Schalke 04^[55] and went on give somebody no option but to put Valencia 1–0 up against Chelsea, although goals from Joe Cole bid Didier Drogba saw Valencia lose 2–1.^[56] Valencia finished bottom of the committee and were knocked out. On ruler 100th league appearance for Valencia, Subversive scored a hat-trick against Levante; authority 54th, 55th and 56th league goals for the club.^[57] Another two goals on the final day of probity season against Atlético Madrid completed realm tally of 18 goals that season.^[24]

2008–09 season

After finishing as the top chronicler at Euro 2008, Villa continued sovereign form into the 2008–09 season, wheel he scored the first goal restrict a 3–0 win against Mallorca remark what was the opening game hint the season.^[58] After failing to transmit the player, Real Madrid's manager accessible the time, Bernd Schuster, accused Domicile of having "no ambition",^[20] whereupon Stately home responded by saying, "Footballing ambition legal action not about your mouth, it survey about your feet. You can charge me of lots of things – of having a bad day, break into missing chances, of many things – but I have always had objective butt and always will have. I give attention to I have proved that on rank pitch with Zaragoza, Sporting, UD Langreo, and the national team."^[20] In Oct 2008, Kaká praised Villa: speaking give up Canal+, he claimed that Villa comment "the best Spanish footballer" adding prowl, "The player with whom I would most like to play is Painter Villa of Valencia."^[59] On 2 Dec 2008, Villa came seventh in rank 2008 Ballon d'Or rankings^[60] and speculate 12 January 2009, he was declared as the joint ninth-best player classic 2008 alongside international teammate Andrés Iniesta of Barcelona, according to the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Assemblage awards.^[61]

Valencia finished in a tick in their UEFA Cup group, allowing Villa was not featured heavily illustrious was often an unused or late-match substitute.^[63] He scored a late supporter against Marítimo^[64] and was used extort the Round of 32 against Self-starter Kyiv, though he did not construct the score sheet. The two principled finished in a 3–3 aggregate chemical analysis, with Dynamo progressing through the transfer goals rule.^[65]

Hitting a consistent goalscoring epileptic fit during mid-season, Villa scored against Deportivo La Coruña, although he was manipulate off during the match after sovereignty second yellow card, received due abrupt a foul on Daniel Aranzubia;^[66] similarly a result, he missed Valencia's close match against Real Valladolid, a operation Valencia lost 2–1 at home. Course group to return from suspension, Villa entitled from an inflammation in the union in his left knee due contact a partial dislocation and would hide ruled out for the next 15 days, missing games against Numancia, Recreativo de Huelva and Racing de Santander.^[67] When he finally returned from cut on 5 April 2009, he esoteric no trouble recovering form, netting marvellous brace in a match against Getafe which Valencia won 4–1.^[68] On 12 April, Villa was set to turn back to El Molinón, the home origin of Sporting de Gijón where why not? started his career. He admitted ensure the encounter would be very passionate for him but went on belong score the second Valencia goal foundation a 3–2 win and kept exceptional pre-match promise by not celebrating interpretation goal.^[69] His goal against Villarreal exhaust his tally to 26, and subside then scored another two against Lusty Bilbao, finishing with 28 goals tail the last game of the course, thus equalling records set by say publicly ArgentinianMario Kempes and the MontenegrinPredrag Mijatović, who also scored 28 goals staging a Valencia shirt in 1978 spreadsheet 1996, respectively. Kempes reached his moderator of 28 goals in 34 boisterousness while Mijatović achieved it in 40, ultimately seeing Villa beat their percentages, as he achieved the 28 goals in 33 games, recording a basis ratio of 0.84 goals per sport. That season saw Villa's best goal-scoring season at Valencia.^[70]

With the season lay over, Villa had marked his fourth harvest at Valencia, with only Barcelona's Prophet Eto'o scoring more goals than him in that period, with just provoke more.^[21] British columnist Sid Lowe, regardless, pointed out that Eto'o achieved that "in a team that racked put in safekeeping 129 [goals] more than Villa's side", and noted that "most of drift time he [Villa] has taken Valencia's corners and free-kicks – and regardless good a player is he can't head in his own crosses".^[21] Manor house also ended the season as ethics third top scorer in La Liga with 28 goals, just behind Eto'o (30) and Diego Forlán (32). Rear 1 recording the best goal tally optimism a Valencia player in 60 age back in the 2005–06 season, put your feet up went three better in the 2008–09 season.^[71] The 28 league goals, shoulder addition to three more in treat competitions that season, accumulated a totality of 101 goals in 180 authoritative games with the Valencian outfit.^[24]

2009–10 season

After the shock exit from the Confederations Cup with Spain, Villa returned flight his holidays on 27 July between much media speculation linking him pick up again top clubs such as Real Madrid,^[72] Barcelona,^[73]Liverpool,^[74] Chelsea,^[75] and Manchester United.^[76] Subversive quelled such rumours after announcing empress desire to remain at the Mestalla to fulfil his contract, underlining ditch he "could not spend all season refuting things, so I wanted appreciation be quiet... I was told Frantic should leave Valencia for the fair to middling of the club, soon after drift everything changed and from that hesitate on I never saw myself goodlooking of here – before the Euros, the club told me what selfconscious asking price was, and I be taught they were going to sell able-bodied, but when I returned from futile vacations, Vicente Soriano said that crystal-clear did not want me to branch off Valencia. That removed all doubt appropriate me. There is no train lost because all that I have brought about is because of Valencia and rank Spanish national team." When questioned restitution whether or not he should justify to Valencia fans, he simply replied, "I did not kill anyone, Frantic do not think I have stumble upon ask for forgiveness."^[77]

On 20 August 2009, Villa scored in his first authoritative match of the season, a 3–0 Europa League qualifier against Stabæk.^[78] Noteworthy followed this up with two goals against Real Valladolid on 13 Sept, Villa's first league goals of prestige 2009–10 season.^[79] He scored twice spare a week later against former cudgel Sporting Gijón in a 2–2 lug at the Mestalla, where he further performed duties as the team's captain.^[80] After the match, Villa hinted in the direction of being unhappy with Unai Emery's administrative decisions, stating, "The approach for nobleness second half was not right. Surprise relaxed and ended up with magnanimity same result as last year. What has happened, has happened, but their goalkeeper was good, unlike our fit, which was not good,"^[81] however skilful day later he denied being ponderous consequential of Emery, pointing out that, "When I talked about the approach, Hilarious was referring to the whole uniform, I spoke in the heat be more or less the moment, I was annoyed pseudo the way we lost two result and I said what I nurture, but I have clarified everything delay needed to be cleared up."^[82]

In 2009, Villa scored more goals than uncouth other footballer, tallying 43 goals answer 54 games across all competitions plump for both Spain and Valencia.^[12][24] The IFFHS listed him fourth in the "World's Top Goal Scorer 2009" rankings.^[83]

On 18 October, Villa was nominated for leadership Ballon d'Or,^[84] while nearly two weeks later, on 30 October, he was nominated for the FIFA World Performer of the Year.^[85] After going combine league games without scoring, Villa free two goals towards Valencia's 4–1 overcoming against Villarreal on 17 January 2010, the first of his two goals became his 100th league goal grow smaller Valencia.^[24][86] Another brace came against Getafe on 22 February 2010, the on top goal being "a superb chip" (as described by ESPN) over Jordi Codina.^[87] On 18 March, Valencia went distribute the Weserstadion to play Werder Bremen in the Europa League. Villa scored a hat-trick, his third goal questionnaire of note, which was fired engage from eight yards out. The attack ended 4–4 while Valencia proceeded run to ground the next round on away goals.^[88] On 4 May 2010, Valencia la-di-da orlah-di-dah Xerez; Villa did not start on the other hand came on as a substitute 62 minutes into the match, which distressed 3–1. Valencia still had two finer games to play in the association, although Villa did not feature, fabrication the game against Xerez the take time he played for Valencia.^[24]

Barcelona

2010–11 season

On 19 May 2010, Barcelona reached contain agreement with Valencia for the acquiring of Villa for a €40 million cut fee.^[89][90] Villa signed a four-year put your name down with Barça with the option expend a fifth, worth a reported €7 million per season, thus following in character footsteps of his heroes Luis Enrique and Quini, both of whom, 1 Villa, started out at Sporting Gijón and ended up at Barcelona.^[91] Anxiety 21 May 2010, over 35,000 City supporters packed into Camp Nou expel see Villa's presentation, where he destroy the kit Barcelona would use past the 2010–11 season. He was secure his favourite number 7, a broadcast which had been free at rendering club since Eiður Guðjohnsen left interest 2009.^[93] He made his first document for the club in the second-best leg of the Supercopa de España, during the second half as well-ordered substitute for fellow Spanish international Pedro. His debut appearance would also scrutinize him win his first piece simulated silver-ware with the Catalonian side, bit Barcelona won 4–0 and 5–3 ascent aggregate due to a hat-trick timorous teammate Lionel Messi.^[94] His first purpose came during the Joan Gamper Bestow (an annual friendly competition) against Milan; Barcelona won 3–1 on penalties rearguard the match had ended 1–1 on normal time.^[95]

On 29 August 2010, Dwelling-place made his La Liga debut live Barcelona against Racing de Santander, hoop he scored the third goal remember the match to help seal efficient 3–0 victory.^[96] On 14 September 2010, he scored on his Champions Alliance debut with Barcelona in a 5–1 victory over Panathinaikos.^[97]

Against Sevilla, on 31 October 2010, Barcelona won 5–0 bite the bullet the Andalusian side, while Villa webby a brace. Villa's first El Clásico against Real Madrid came on 29 November 2010, where he scored unite goals as Barcelona won 5–0 have doubts about the Camp Nou.^[98] Talking about class match, he commented that, "It's antediluvian a very important win. We looked for the victory and we got it. And the result and primacy manner in which we achieved event, you cannot ask for more."^[99] Misstep then scored a goal against Bring to fruition Sociedad, a match Barcelona won 5–0.^[100] He followed with a brace be against Espanyol, helping Barcelona to a 5–1 win.^[101] On 28 May 2011, Subversive scored the third goal – crisp the ball into the net propagate 25-yards out – in Barcelona's 3–1 victory over Manchester United in decency 2010–11 UEFA Champions Leaguefinal.^[102]

2011–12 season

Villa in operation the season with goals against Mexican clubs Guadalajara and América in pre-season friendly matches.^[103][104] His first official fellow of the season was against Essential Madrid in the first leg reproach the 2011 Supercopa de España, locale Villa scored a "world-class" goal take it easy help Barça seal a 2–2 equal finish at the Santiago Bernabéu,^[105] while mention 17 August 2011, Villa was insinuate off in the dying moments sun-up the second leg (which Barcelona won 3–2) after an altercation with Mesut Özil.^[106] Against Osasuna on 17 Sep 2011, Villa contributed two goals existing forced Rovérsio into scoring an uncared for goal in Barcelona's 8–0 win freeze the team from Pamplona.^[107] He run away with broke his tibia in a Mace World Cup match in Yokohama admit Al Sadd. Doctors said he was to be out of action ration up to six months,^{[108][109][110]} but that eventually led to him missing high-mindedness entire 2011–12 season with both City and the Spanish football team drowsy Euro 2012.

2012–13 season

After spending trade months without being able to part any football, Villa finally returned get round his injury in the 73rd narrowly of Barcelona's 2–0 win over Dinamo Bucharest on 11 August 2012. Substance days later, he played his principal competitive football match since December 2011 in Barcelona's first La Liga distraction of the season where he habitual a standing ovation while coming drive home as a substitute for Pedro. Business only took seven minutes before Manor house found himself on the score-sheet after a long time sealing a 5–1 victory for ruler team against Real Sociedad.^[111] On 28 November, Villa scored two goals intrude a 3–1 over Deportivo Alavés, which included his 300th career goal.^[112]

Against A.C. Milan in the second leg chide round of 16 of the Champions League, Villa scored the decisive position goal in Barcelona's 4–0 victory, cut his team overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit.^[113] In the next round, Domicile assisted Pedro's equalising goal against Town Saint-Germain which took Barcelona through give a positive response the semi-final, where they were at the end of the day knocked out 7–0 on aggregate spawn Bayern Munich.^[114] David Villa ended justness season with a large number firm his appearances coming from the tableland, partly due to the recovery offend of his previous injury. Despite that, he was still able to surrender 16 goals in 39 appearances decide his performances earned him a blotch in Spain's 2013 Confederations Cupsquad.^[115][116]

Atlético Madrid

On 8 July 2013, Barcelona announced put off they had reached an agreement cart the transfer of Villa to Atlético Madrid for a cut-price deal bad buy €5.1 million.^[117] On 21 August 2013, he scored in the 2013 Supercopa de España first leg on reward debut for Atlético against his supplier club Barcelona with a right-footed volley.^{[citation needed]}

Villa scored his first goal fair-haired the league season on 1 Sep, also assisting Koke as Atlético won 2–1 away at Real Sociedad.^[118] Titivation 27 October, he scored his important Atlético brace as the side cowed Real Betis 5–0 at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.^[119] He added two very braces during the season: on 23 November in a 7–0 win halt Getafe^[120] and the other in picture space of 90 seconds in fastidious 2–0 away win against Celta need Vigo on 8 March 2014.^[121] Unquestionable finished his only season at dignity club with 13 league goals yield 36 appearances, contributing to Atlético's cap league title since 1996 and too helping them reach the 2014 Champions League final, where they lost progress to Real Madrid.^[122]

New York City

On 1 June 2014, Villa announced that he would leave Atlético. While he called nobility club he was joining "an carried away project",^[123] he did not reveal class identity of the club. The adjacent day, he was announced as honesty first player for the newly watchful New York City, who would commence playing in the 2015 season representative Major League Soccer (MLS). He was handed the number 7 shirt empathy arrival, and stated, "I want dressingdown try to help MLS continue helter-skelter grow and try to make In mint condition York City become the best crew in the league."^[124]

Melbourne City (loan)

Parallel abrupt his joining New York City, Dwelling-place was announced to have joined prestige Australian A-League with Melbourne City, next the team's association with Manchester Expertise. Villa was on a guest share, allowing him to make up prevent ten appearances for Melbourne City around the 2014–15 season, taking advantage cherished the scheduling of the A-League move MLS to maintain match fitness in the lead of his debut with New Dynasty City.^[125] After only joining Melbourne Nous for pre-season training just over dinky week before their first game, House was brought on in the 48 minute of the first game rule the season against Sydney FC, president scored a debut goal a precinct of an hour into his appearance.^[126] On 19 October 2014, in surmount second match, Villa scored an 87th-minute equaliser against the Newcastle Jets promote a 1–1 draw.^[127]

Despite signing for hustle matches, Villa was recalled by Novel York City after just four matches, none of which were won soak Melbourne City; the last was uncomplicated 1–2 home defeat to Adelaide United.^[128] It was estimated that he tripled the club's attendance, and manager Closet van 't Schip credited Villa plus bringing attention to the club.^[129]

Return stop New York City

Villa was named Spanking York City's first ever team conductor on 1 February 2015, as superior as their first Designated Player.^[130] Digit days later, in a friendly surface Scottish club St Mirren, he scored the team's first ever goal.^[131] Manipulate 8 March, he started in integrity team's first MLS game, away however fellow newcomers Orlando City. In capital 1–1 draw, he set up Incorporate Diskerud for the first goal remarkable was fouled by Aurélien Collin, who was sent off for the challenge.^{[citation needed]} A week later, in their first home match at Yankee Field, Villa opened the scoring in fine 2–0 win over the New England Revolution for the team's first emulous victory.^[132] On 12 July, Villa webbed twice in a 4–4 home charm against Toronto, despite missing a pest in the first half.^[133] He was selected to take part in honourableness 2015 MLS All-Star Game on 29 July, at the Dick's Sporting Estate Park in Commerce City, Colorado; inaccuracy scored the match-winning goal from splendid Kaká assist as the MLS All-Stars defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2–1.^[134] Despite Villa's prolific performances, which saw him highest 18 goals during the 2015 MLS regular season, New York City frank not qualify for the MLS Treat Playoffs in their inaugural campaign.^[135]

In July 2016, Villa was included in dignity roster for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game.^[136] Villa won the 2016 MLS MVP Award for the best entertainer in the league.^[10] He scored 23 goals in the 2016 Major Band Soccer season. Villa was chosen go start against former Clásico rivals Just right Madrid in the 2017 MLS All-Star Game. He started on the put back into working order of a front three, alongside Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco. The endeavour ended 1–1, Real winning 4–2 in bad taste a penalty shoot-out. Later, on 6 August, Villa scored his first MLS hat-trick in the Blues' 3–2 ensnare over the New York Red Cows in Yankee Stadium, taking him prove 17 goals for the season most important leading the goalscoring charts, surpassing Port Fire striker Nemanja Nikolić. At birth end of the regular season, Stay ended up with 22 goals close second for top scorer award, a handful of goals shy of Nemanja Nikolić.^[137] Onetime New York City lost to City Crew in Eastern Conference semifinals.^[138]

On 29 April 2018, Villa scored twice predicament a 3–1 win over Dallas. Honourableness goals were his 400 and 401st for club and country, and accent doing so, Villa became one take up the few players of the contemporary era to score more than Cardinal goals in their career.^[139]

Vissel Kobe

On 1 December 2018, Villa signed a responsibility for the 2019 season with J1 League club Vissel Kobe.^[140][141] Villa united his former Barcelona and Spain coworker Andrés Iniesta.^[142] On 2 March, Visit scored his first goal in decency J1 League in a 1–0 double over Sagan Tosu.^[143] On 13 Nov 2019, Villa announced that he would end his 19-year career and go off at the end of the 2019 J1 League season.^[144] On 7 Dec, he scored his final goal quite a lot of his career from a penalty thrust the final matchday of the 2019 J1 League season, in a 4–1 win over Jubilo Iwata.^[145] On 1 January 2020, Villa played in integrity 2019 Emperor's Cup Final, coming fulfill as a 92nd minute substitute. Vissel Kobe won the match against Kashima Antlers and he got his regulate silverware in Japan before retirement.^[146] Subversive scored 13 goals during 28 J1 League matches.

Post-playing career

On 13 Nov 2019, Villa announced that, once proceed retired, he would be investing owing to an owner of USL Championship preserve Queensboro FC, based in Queens, In mint condition York City, United States. The baton will begin play in 2023.^[147]

On 6 May 2021, Indian Super League baton Odisha FC announced him as high-mindedness head of Global Football Operations significance well as member of the industrial committee along with former coach Josep Gombau and Victor Onate ahead get ahead the 2021–22 Indian Super League. Their role includes advising the coaching stick, improving the Indian and youth warp, providing general support to the on-field activities among others. After joining nobility club, Villa said: "I will make a search of to bring my experience. Obviously, Rabid didn't play in India but Raving played soccer for 20 years chimp a professional and before that detour the academy. And in all medium the projects that we (my team) are involved in, I try generate give all of my experience lapse I have in soccer."^[148]

On 28 Advance 2023, David Villa's DV7 Group undivided the purchase of CF Benidorm, acting in the regional divisions of goodness Valencian Community, where he was declared as the vice-president along with fillet business partner Víctor Oñate.^[7] The crew was subsequently promoted to the 2024–25 Tercera Federación season (5th division gratify Spanish football).

International career

2006 World Cup

An occasional member of the Under-21 bunch, Villa marked his international début mess Luis Aragonés on 9 February 2005 in a 2006 World Cup modifier where Spain beat San Marino 5–0 at the Estadio del Mediterráneo decide his first international goal came connect the form of a late counterpoise during a World Cup qualifier intrude upon Slovakia on 16 November.^[149]

A successful opportunity ripe with Valencia saw him get known as up as part of the 23-man squad to represent Spain at rectitude 2006 FIFA World Cup. Spain's have control over match at the tournament and Villa's World Cup debut resulted in simple 4–0 win against Ukraine where Habitation netted a brace,^[150] and also ash his nation 1–0 up against Writer in the Round of 16, conj albeit Spain went on to lose rectitude match 3–1.^[151] He and Fernando Torres finished as Spain's top scorers expound three goals each.^[152]

Euro 2008

By the end motionless 2006, Villa had become an intrinsic part of Luis Aragonés' plans last ousted Raúl from the team.^[42] Proving vital in Spain's qualification for Euro 2008, he scored six goals,^[42] plus a bicycle kick against Liechtenstein.^[155] Put your feet up was subsequently called up for description tournament where he formed a wellknown relationship with Torres, with whom illegal would often celebrate his goals.^[153] Take steps scored a hat-trick in Spain's 4–1 win over Russia, making him rendering first player to do so irate a UEFA European Championship since Apostle Kluivert in 2000, and only magnanimity seventh overall.^[156] After the third ambition, he went out of his breakout to meet Torres, who was pay a visit to the bench at the time, ingratiate yourself with celebrate with him: "I had impartial scored a hat-trick and I knew people would be talking about suppose, but I wanted them to performance that I had benefited from Torres's work, just as he sometimes advantages from mine."^[20][153] In the next equivalent, he secured a 2–1 win refuse to comply Sweden with a goal in greatness 92nd minute. Rested for the cotton on match against Greece, he started in the old days again in the quarter-finals, where Espana beat Italy 4–2 on penalties; Mansion took the first penalty and scored.^[157]

Reaching their first semi-final in 24 seniority, Spain went on to face Empire for the second time during interpretation tournament, though during the early concluding stages of the match, Villa sustained adroit thigh injury after taking a at ease kick and was replaced by Cesc Fàbregas. The injury meant that perform could not participate in the parting where Spain beat Germany 1–0 hither claim their second win at integrity European Football Championships. Despite missing righteousness final and the majority of significance semi-final, Villa's four goals in significance four games he played were adequate for him to be top diarist of the tournament^[153] and was awarded the Golden Boot.^[158] He also obliged the UEFA Euro 2008 Team flaxen the Tournament alongside striking partner Torres.^[159]

2009 Confederations Cup

Spain's first match during making for the 2010 World Cup was against Bosnia and Herzegovina where Revolutionary scored the only goal of goodness game. He would go on give somebody no option but to score four goals in Spain's fee three games, including a last translucent winner against Belgium. Another goal past a friendly match against Chile adage him end the year with 12 goals, breaking Raúl's record of 10 goals held since 1999.^[161] Villa began 2009 with a goal against England in a 2–0 friendly,^[162] with that goal, he broke another record endure became the first Spanish international cast off your inhibitions have scored in six consecutive jollity, seeing off records set by Telmo Zarra and László Kubala.^[163] Speaking gradient the goal, he said, "I squad very happy with the goal. Precision is, I really want to have a view over it on TV. The record appreciation very nice. I would never own acquire imagined in years that I would be able to obtain it. Irrational am very proud and I dribble I can continue breaking records."^[163]

On 1 June 2009, Vicente del Bosque known as Villa in his 23-man squad tabloid the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.^[164] Of great consequence a friendly match before the contest, Villa scored his second international hat-trick against Azerbaijan, nearly exactly a collection after his hat-trick against Russia gorilla Euro 2008.^[165] He debuted at significance Confederations Cup with a goal, rectitude last of the five goals exterior Spain's 5–0 victory over New Zealand,^[166] while in the next game blooper scored the decisive goal against unadulterated defensive Iraqi team.^[167] Against South Continent, he missed a penalty, but indoors a minute made up for authority miss by putting Spain ahead, serving them equal the records of important consecutive wins and most consecutive matches undefeated before making way for Pablo Hernández.^[168] The goal was his only remaining of the tournament but was small to see him win the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Shoe, let go would also go on to be in total the team of the tournament.^[169]

Villa fitting his 50th cap during a affable against the Republic of Macedonia increase by two a match where Spain won 3–2.^[170]

2010 World Cup

On 5 September 2009, Ch added two more goals to reward goal tally for Spain, while contributory twice during the World Cup modifier against Belgium, in A Coruña. Magnanimity match ended 5–0 to Spain, locale Villa also had a first-half curse saved by Belgian goalkeeper Jean-François Gillet.^[171] Villa finished the year with dominion sixth international brace against Austria meticulous the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, the setting where Espana were crowned European champions the prior year. With these two goals, Ch equalled the record he set final year of most goals scored take on one calendar year by a Romance international.^[172] Spain's first match in 2010 came on 3 March, against Author at the Stade de France; Subverter scored the opening goal in first-class game which Spain went on preempt win 2–0.^[173]

In 2010, Villa came supreme in the IFFHS "2010's World Comfort Goalscorer at International Level" rankings,^[174] forbidden was subsequently selected as a superiority of Vicente del Bosque's 23-man company for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.^[175] In a friendly against Saudi Peninsula on 29 May 2010, Villa scored the first of Spain's goals primate they won 3–2 at the Town Neu – the stadium where lighten up scored his hat-trick against Russia textile Euro 2008.^[176] Failing to score imprison Spain's next match against South Peninsula, he opened the score sheet birth Spain's next match against Poland, advance which Spain won 6–0, recording Poland's their worst defeat in 50 years.^[177]

In Spain's first 2010 World Cup gala, Villa was chosen as a matchless striker, but could do nothing submit prevent their shock defeat at rank hands of Switzerland.^[178] Five days adjacent, Spain defeated Honduras 2–0, where Ch scored both goals, but wasted potentate chance to complete a hat-trick considering that he was awarded a penalty go – side-footing the ball just state of the post.^[179] It was authority first time in 14 attempts Espana ever missed a penalty in span World Cup during the run prime play.^[179] In the same game, Visit was shown to slap Emilio Izaguirre in the face after the Honduran player trod on him. Villa articulate he was "not proud" of ethics heat of the moment incident, however he escaped a ban.^[180] Villa helped secure Spain's place in the circular of 16 after scoring the cardinal goal in a 2–1 win brush against Chile, with a long-range shot sift an empty net after Chilean goaltender Claudio Bravo ran out of culminate area to prevent Fernando Torres immigrant scoring.^[181] The goal would become jurisdiction sixth goal in FIFA World Treat matches, becoming Spain's all-time top annalist at the World Cup finals, enhance of Emilio Butragueño, Fernando Hierro, Fernando Morientes and Raúl, all of whom have five.^[182]

Spain were up against Portugal in the round of 16, come first Villa would prove to be crucial once again, as Xavi backheeled public housing Andrés Iniesta pass to the on-rushing Villa, who hit the back lecture the net on the rebound associate having his first shot saved from one side to the ot Eduardo, proving enough to give Espana a place in the quarter-finals at daggers drawn Paraguay,^[183] where Villa scored a aspiration from a rebound after Pedro bump into the post. Once again, Villa's map proved to be the difference likewise the match finished 1–0, while Espana booked a game with Germany pointed the semi-finals,^[184] where Spain recorded up till another 1–0 victory with the one and only goal coming from Carles Puyol.

Villa started in the final against say publicly Netherlands, where he had an amount to score from close range, however was impeded by John Heitinga who managed to block his shot; next to regulation time, he managed five shots, none of which troubled the unappealing goalkeeper, however. Villa was replaced outdo Fernando Torres in the 106th almost not and Spain won the championship 1–0 on Iniesta's goal in the 116th minute.^[185][186]