David Villa (Part 1)

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13 Mar 2024

David Villa (Part 1)

David Villa Sánchez, born on 3 December 1981, is a retired Spanish professional footballer acclaimed as one of the finest strikers in his generation and among the greatest Spanish players of all time. Known as El Guaje, Villa earned this nickname due to his early reputation for playing football with children older than him. Despite a childhood injury, he embarked on his professional career with Sporting de Gijón in 2001. After two seasons, he moved to Real Zaragoza, making his La Liga debut and securing victories in the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.

Villa joined Valencia for a transfer fee of €12 million, adding another Copa del Rey title to his achievements. During his five-season tenure at Valencia, he emerged as one of La Liga's premier players. His stellar performances led to a €40 million transfer to Barcelona in 2010. In his inaugural season with Barcelona, Villa clinched his first La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, contributing to the latter with a goal in the 2011 final. In 2013, he moved to Atlético Madrid, securing another La Liga title and reaching the 2014 UEFA Champions League final. Villa's next venture took him to MLS franchise New York City, where he became the club's record goalscorer and appearance maker, earning the MLS MVP Award in 2016. In 2018, he departed New York to join Vissel Kobe in Japan, ultimately retiring in 2020.

Villa's international career began in 2005, and he played a pivotal role in Spain's triumphs at UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His noteworthy contributions include three goals at the 2006 World Cup, being the top scorer at Euro 2008, and receiving the Silver Boot at the 2010 World Cup. Recognized for his excellence, Villa found a place in the FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year for 2010. With goals at the 2014 World Cup, he secured his position as Spain's all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, tallying nine goals. Villa achieved another milestone as the first Spanish player to reach 50 international goals. After briefly returning to the national team in 2017, he retired with 59 goals in 98 matches. Currently, Villa serves as the Technical Advisor and Head of Global Football Operations for Indian Super League club Odisha FC.

David Villa Sánchez, born in Tuilla, a small parish in Langreo, Asturias, faced an early challenge to his football aspirations when, at the age of four, he suffered a femur fracture in his right leg. Despite the setback, Villa made a remarkable recovery. To overcome the injury, he and his father, José Manuel Villa, diligently worked on strengthening his left leg, resulting in Villa becoming ambidextrous. Recalling those times, Villa emphasized the unwavering support of his father, who played a crucial role in his rehabilitation: He would be there throwing me the ball over and over, making me kick it with my left leg when my right was in plaster after breaking it. I was four. I can barely remember a single training session when my dad wasn't there. I have never been alone on a football pitch.

Villa's determination faced another test at the age of 14 when he considered giving up football due to disillusionment and conflicts with his coach. However, the encouragement from his parents, especially his father, played a pivotal role in persuading him to persist in pursuing his football dreams. Reflecting on those challenging times, Villa admitted, "In those days I was a nobody, not earning a penny, and after being made to sit on the bench all season, I just wanted to get away and play with my friends." Despite the obstacles, his father's consistent support uplifted him, and Villa continued on his path to realizing that his talent could pave the way for a professional career.Villa commenced his football journey at UP Langreo, and at the age of 17, he joined the Mareo football school, marking the early steps in a career that would see him become one of Spain's greatest footballers.

David Villa's ascent to Spain's top-flight football began when he joined Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2003 for approximately €3 million, seizing the opportunity as Sporting faced financial difficulties. His transition to La Liga was seamless, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess with 17 goals in his debut season at Zaragoza. Villa's league debut, where Zaragoza suffered a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo de La Coruña, was quickly followed by his first goal, an eighth-minute strike against Real Murcia.

On December 4, 2003, Villa marked another milestone by netting his first brace in a 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao. A significant moment occurred on April 25, 2004, when he scored his first hat-trick in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Sevilla, where Villa single-handedly contributed all four goals for Zaragoza.Villa played a pivotal role in Zaragoza's triumph in the 2004 Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, scoring a crucial goal in the 3-2 victory. Following these achievements, he received his first international call-up, earning the pride of Zaragoza fans, who created the iconic football chant illa illa illa, Villa maravilla.

In the 2004–05 season, Zaragoza's success in the Copa del Rey granted them a spot in the UEFA Cup, marking Villa's debut in European competition. He made an impact in the UEFA Cup group stage by scoring a late brace against Utrecht in a 2-0 victory. Despite his efforts, Zaragoza faced elimination in the round of 16 against Austria Wien, progressing on the away goals rule.Villa continued to shine in La Liga, scoring crucial goals, including one against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on September 23, 2004. His contributions, such as a brace against Sevilla on April 17, 2005, added to his growing reputation as a formidable striker.