David Silva, the Spanish former attacking midfielder known for his decade-long spell at Manchester City, is widely celebrated as one of the most technically gifted players of his generation. Born on 8 January 1986 in Arguineguín, Gran Canaria, he built a career defined by vision, precision, and calmness on the ball. After retiring from professional football in July 2023, his legacy remains anchored in his achievements at club and international level.
Silva’s journey began in the Valencia academy, with loan spells at Eibar and Celta Vigo before establishing himself as a first-team regular. His move to Manchester City in July 2010 marked the start of a transformative period for both the player and the club. Over ten seasons, he helped redefine City’s style, winning multiple trophies and earning the nickname “El Mago” – the magician.
After leaving City in 2020, Silva returned to Spain to play for Real Sociedad, where he remained until his retirement in July 2023. He also played a pivotal role in Spain’s golden generation, winning the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
What Is David Silva’s Current Club?
- Full Name: David Josué Jiménez Silva
- Born: 8 January 1986, Arguineguín, Spain
- Position: Attacking midfielder / Central midfielder
- Current Status: Retired (as of 2025) – last club: Real Sociedad
- David Silva spent 10 years at Manchester City, making 436 appearances and scoring 77 goals.
- He won 4 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 5 EFL Cups, and 2 Community Shields with City.
- Silva retired from professional football in July 2023 after leaving Real Sociedad.
- He earned 125 caps for Spain and scored 35 goals, winning the World Cup and two European Championships.
- Known as “El Mago”, he was celebrated for his technical ability, vision, and passing accuracy.
- He ranks among the top 10 all-time Premier League assist providers, with 93 assists in 309 appearances.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Josué Jiménez Silva |
| Date of Birth | 8 January 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Arguineguín, Spain |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder, central midfielder |
| Youth Career | UD San Fernando, Valencia CF |
| Senior Career | Valencia CF (2004–2010), Manchester City (2010–2020), Real Sociedad (2020–2023) |
| International Caps | 125 appearances for Spain, 35 goals |
| Major Honours | 4 Premier League, 2 FA Cups, 1 World Cup (2010), 2 European Championships |
| Retirement | July 2023 |
Who Is David Silva’s Wife? (and Family Background)
Public records indicate that David Silva is married to a woman named Yessica, and his mother is named María Jesús. However, these details are not extensively documented in the primary sources available. Specifics about his family life remain limited due to privacy considerations, and no further reliable information about his wife or mother is confirmed in the official club or statistical profiles.
What Is David Silva’s Mother’s Name?
According to some publicly available records, his mother is named María Jesús. The same sources do not provide additional biographical details about her background or role. Because the information is not widely reported, it is treated with appropriate caution.
David Silva’s wife and mother are not discussed in official club pages or major sports databases. The names Yessica (wife) and María Jesús (mother) appear in certain public records, but the absence of corroboration from authoritative football sources means these details remain unverified in the context of this article.
How Long Did David Silva Play for Manchester City?
David Silva spent exactly 10 seasons at Manchester City, from July 2010 to July 2020. During that period, he made 436 appearances and scored 77 goals for the club, according to the official Manchester City website. His arrival came shortly after winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain, and he went on to become one of the most decorated players in City’s history.
Did David Silva Get a Statue?
A statue of David Silva was erected outside Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium in 2022, honouring his contribution to the club. The statue is part of a series celebrating City legends, and it stands as a permanent tribute to his decade of service.
How Many Goals Did David Silva Score for Spain?
Silva scored 35 goals in 125 appearances for the Spanish national team. He was a key figure in Spain’s golden era, helping the team win the 2008 UEFA European Championship, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2012 UEFA European Championship. Notably, he scored the first goal in the 2012 Euro final against Italy, as reported by MLSsoccer.
When Did David Silva Join Real Sociedad?
David Silva joined Real Sociedad in July 2020 on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester City expired. He spent three seasons at the Basque club, making over 50 appearances and winning the Copa del Rey in 2021. His time at Real Sociedad ended in July 2023, when he retired from professional football.
What Are David Silva’s Career Stats?
According to Transfermarkt, Silva’s senior club career totals across all competitions include 747 appearances and 121 goals. In the Premier League alone, he recorded 309 appearances, 60 goals, and 93 assists, as detailed by the Premier League’s official site. His Manchester City totals, per the club’s legend page, stand at 436 appearances and 77 goals. In La Liga, he played 227 matches during his spells at Valencia and Real Sociedad.
The 93 assists Silva provided in the Premier League place him in the top 10 of the competition’s all-time assist chart, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most creative midfielders of the modern era.
What Were the Key Milestones in David Silva’s Career?
- 2004–2010: Valencia CF – La Liga debut and first major honours, including the Copa del Rey in 2008.
- 2010–2020: Manchester City – 4 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 5 League Cups, and 2 Community Shields.
- 2020–2023: Real Sociedad – Return to La Liga, Copa del Rey winner in 2021.
- 2023: Announced retirement from professional football in July.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About David Silva?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| David Silva retired in July 2023 – no current club. | Rumours of a move to a Japanese club are unsubstantiated and likely false. |
| A statue of Silva was placed outside the Etihad Stadium in 2022. | Specific details about his wife and mother are not confirmed in primary football sources; names (Yessica and María Jesús) come from public records but are not officially documented by clubs or major databases. |
| He played 125 times for Spain and scored 35 goals. | No verified information about his father’s identity beyond the surname Jiménez. |
What Is David Silva’s Place in Football History?
David Silva is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. His influence at Manchester City helped redefine the club’s attacking philosophy, and his success with Spain – including a World Cup and two European Championships – places him among the greats of the modern game. His retirement in 2023 marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his statue, his playing records, and the impact he had on the teams he represented.
What Do Official Sources Say About David Silva?
“David Silva was a permanent fixture in the Manchester City team for 10 years playing more than 400 games”
– Manchester City official site
“He is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a central or an attacking midfielder”
– Wikipedia
These statements underscore his consistency and the high regard in which he is held by both his club and the wider football community.
What Is Next for David Silva?
David Silva is retired from professional football and has no current club affiliations. Rumours of a move to Japan are unconfirmed and likely false. He may take on ambassadorial or coaching roles in the future, but no official announcements have been made. For a similar deep dive on another football great, read Victor Osimhen – Club, Salary, Wife, and More. For a look at a legendary forward, see Ian Rush – Biography, Career Stats, Net Worth & More.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals did David Silva score for Manchester City?
David Silva scored 60 goals in 437 appearances for Manchester City.
What is David Silva’s market value?
As a retired player, he no longer has a transfer market value. During his peak, his market value was around €60-70 million.
Who is David Silva’s father?
His father is Fernando Jiménez, though the name is not widely publicized.
What is David Silva’s height?
He is 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) tall.
What is David Silva’s nickname?
He was widely known as “El Mago” – the magician.
How many assists did David Silva provide in the Premier League?
He recorded 93 assists in 309 Premier League appearances.
Did David Silva win the Copa del Rey?
Yes, he won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2008 and with Real Sociedad in 2021.
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David Harwood is Editor-in-Chief at Headlines UK, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions across UK news coverage.