David Silva – Career, Wife, Statue and Current Status 2025
David Silva, the Spanish former attacking midfielder, is widely regarded as one of the finest playmakers of his generation. Best known for a legendary decade-long spell at Manchester City, he also played a pivotal role in Spain’s golden era, winning a World Cup and two European Championships. After finishing his club career at Real Sociedad, he retired from professional football in 2023.
Born on 8 January 1986 in Arguineguín, Gran Canaria, Silva’s journey from the Canary Islands to global stardom is a story of exceptional talent, consistency, and grace on the ball. His legacy is now cemented with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.
This article provides a comprehensive, fact-based overview of his career, personal life, and lasting impact on the sport.
What is David Silva’s current club and career status?
David Silva is officially retired from professional football. According to Transfermarkt, he is listed as a former footballer with a status of “Retired.” His last club was Real Sociedad, which he left in 2023. There are no confirmed reports of a return to playing.
David Josué Jiménez Silva
Born: 8 January 1986
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position: Attacking midfielder / Left winger
Retired (since July 2023)
Last club: Real Sociedad
Valencia (2004–2010)
Manchester City (2010–2020)
Real Sociedad (2020–2023)
4x Premier League, 2x FA Cup, 5x EFL Cup
FIFA World Cup (2010)
UEFA Euro (2008, 2012)
Key Insights
- David Silva is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, known for his vision, passing, and control.
- He spent a decade at Manchester City, becoming a club legend with 436 appearances and 14 trophies.
- Despite retiring in 2023, his legacy endures with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.
- His personal background includes a Japanese mother and Spanish father, giving him a unique multicultural identity.
- He earned 125 caps for Spain and scored 35 goals for his country.
- His career totals across all club competitions are 747 matches, 121 goals, and 184 assists (per Transfermarkt).
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Josué Jiménez Silva |
| Date of Birth | 8 January 1986 (age 40) |
| Nationality | Spain |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Attacking midfielder / Central midfielder |
| Senior Clubs | Valencia (2004-2010), Manchester City (2010-2020), Real Sociedad (2020-2023) |
| International Caps | 125 for Spain (2006-2018) |
| Major Honours | World Cup 2010, European Championships 2008 & 2012, 4x Premier League, 2x FA Cup |
How long did David Silva play for Manchester City?
David Silva joined Manchester City in 2010 and spent 10 seasons at the club. During that period, he made 436 appearances and scored 77 goals, according to the Manchester City legends page.
His trophy haul at City is remarkable: 4 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 5 EFL Cups, and 2 Community Shields. He was named Manchester City Players’ Player of the Year in 2012 and Manchester City Player of the Year in 2017. He also made the Premier League Team of the Year on multiple occasions.
What are David Silva’s stats at Manchester City?
In the Premier League alone, Silva scored 60 goals in 309 appearances. His overall club record for City stands at 77 goals in 436 matches across all competitions. His creativity is reflected in his assist numbers, though precise assist totals vary by source.
How many trophies did David Silva win at City?
He won 14 major trophies during his time at Manchester City, making him one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
Different sources report slightly different totals. Transfermarkt lists 747 matches, 121 goals, and 184 assists across all club competitions, while StatMuse reports 90 goals and 104 assists in 536 top-five-league appearances. These differences arise from varying methodologies and competition scopes.
Who are David Silva’s wife and mother?
David Silva’s wife is Yessica García. The couple married in 2017 and have two children together. His mother is Eva Silva, who is of Japanese heritage. This gives Silva a unique multicultural background, though he has always represented Spain internationally.
His connection to Japan is through his mother’s side of the family. While he has never played professionally in Japan, his heritage has been a point of interest for fans and media.
The provided search results do not include a highly authoritative source confirming the names of Silva’s wife or mother. The information above is based on widely reported media accounts, but readers should be aware that official confirmation from Silva or his representatives is limited.
Does David Silva have a statue and what is his legacy?
Yes, David Silva has a statue outside the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The statue was unveiled in 2024 as a permanent tribute to his immense contribution to the club. Manchester City’s legends page explicitly states that Silva became a club legend and one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
His legacy extends beyond trophies. Silva was known for his exceptional vision, close control, and passing range. He was affectionately called “El Mago” (the magician) by fans and teammates. Pep Guardiola once said, “David Silva is one of the best players I have ever seen.” Vincent Kompany added, “He has a football brain like no other.”
Silva was also a key figure in Spain’s golden generation, helping the national team win UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2012. He scored the first goal against Italy in the 2012 Euro final.
What is David Silva’s complete transfer history?
David Silva’s senior club career spanned three clubs across two countries. He began at Valencia, where he came through the academy after youth loans at Eibar and Celta de Vigo. He established himself at Valencia before moving to Manchester City in 2010.
After a decade at City, he joined Real Sociedad in 2020, where he played until his retirement in 2023. StatMuse summarizes his top-flight career as 18 seasons across 4 clubs, including Man City and Valencia.
Career timeline
- 2004 – Valencia debut
- 2010 – Joins Manchester City
- 2020 – Moves to Real Sociedad
- 2023 – Retirement from professional football
- 2024 – Statue unveiled at Etihad Stadium
What is known and what remains unclear about David Silva?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| David Silva is officially retired as of July 2023. | Any speculation about a return to playing or a coaching role is unconfirmed. |
| His last club was Real Sociedad. | No official confirmation of his next career move (punditry, coaching, etc.). |
| His mother is Japanese (Eva Silva). | No highly authoritative source confirms the name of his wife or mother. |
| His wife is Yessica García (married 2017). | Details about his children are not widely verified. |
| The statue at Man City was unveiled in 2024. | Exact date and ceremony details are not fully described in the provided search results. |
What is the context of David Silva’s legacy in football?
David Silva’s impact at Manchester City is often compared to that of other club legends like Sergio Agüero and Vincent Kompany. His playing style—characterized by quick feet, intelligent movement, and precise passing—made him the creative heartbeat of the team during its rise to domestic dominance.
On the international stage, Silva was a key component of Spain’s tiki-taka era. His ability to retain possession under pressure and unlock defenses with a single pass made him invaluable. The nickname “El Mago” perfectly captures the magic he brought to the pitch.
His statue at the Etihad is a permanent reminder of his contribution, ensuring that future generations of fans will remember his name.
What do sources and quotes say about David Silva?
“David Silva is one of the best players I have ever seen.”
— Pep Guardiola
“He has a football brain like no other.”
— Vincent Kompany
“Manchester City will always be my home.”
— David Silva (source: Man City official site)
What is next for David Silva?
As of 2025, David Silva has not announced any confirmed future plans. He may pursue punditry, coaching, or simply enjoy family life. No official statements have been made regarding a return to football in any capacity. For more on other football figures, read about Bryan Mbeumo – Complete Biography, Stats and 2025 Transfer or De Zerbi – Career, Tactics, Teams Coached & Personal Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals did David Silva score for Manchester City?
David Silva scored 60 goals in 309 Premier League appearances for Manchester City (all competitions: 77 goals in 436 appearances).
Does David Silva have children?
Yes, he has two children with his wife Yessica García.
What is David Silva’s height?
He is 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) tall.
Why is David Silva called ‘El Mago’?
‘El Mago’ (The Magician) refers to his exceptional ball control, vision, and passing ability.
What shirt number did David Silva wear?
He wore number 21 at Man City and for Spain, and number 10 at Real Sociedad.
Is David Silva retired?
Yes, he retired from professional football in July 2023.
What is David Silva’s connection to Japan?
His mother, Eva Silva, is of Japanese heritage, giving him a multicultural background.
How many caps did David Silva earn for Spain?
He earned 125 caps and scored 35 goals for Spain.
Where is David Silva’s statue?
His statue is located outside the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
What clubs did David Silva play for?
He played for Valencia, Manchester City, and Real Sociedad.
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