David Villa

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

Villa's international career began in 2005, and he quickly became a vital part of the national setup. At the 2006 World Cup, he scored three goals. He was the top scorer at UEFA Euro 2008, a tournament Spain won, breaking a long title drought. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he earned the Silver Boot and was an integral member of the winning team. He scored at the 2014 World Cup, becoming Spain's top scorer in World Cup history with nine goals. He became the first Spanish player to ever reach 50 international goals. 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 scored at the 2014 World Cup, becoming Spain's top scorer in World Cup history with nine goals. 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.

Did You Know?

• Villa is the all-time top goalscorer of the Spain national team.
• He is the first Spanish player to ever reach 50 international goals.
• He earned the Silver Boot at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
• He was the top scorer at UEFA Euro 2008.
• Villa scored nine goals in World Cup tournaments, making him Spain's top scorer in World Cup history.