David Villa

David Villa transitioned from a celebrated striker in European football to a global ambassador for the sport, known for his clinical finishing and leadership on the field. After making his first-team debut for Sporting de Gijón in the 2000–01 season and scoring 25 goals in two subsequent seasons, David Villa cemented his status as a formidable striker. His strong technical qualities and unrivaled work ethic led to Real Zaragoza signing him for approximately €3 million in 2003. Villa immediately adapted to La Liga, scoring 17 goals in his debut season and achieving his first hat-trick on April 25, 2004, against Sevilla.

In 2014, Villa expanded his global impact by moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) as the first captain and record goalscorer for New York City FC. His outstanding contributions were recognized with the MLS MVP Award in 2016. Demonstrating enduring form, he achieved his 400th career goal in 2018. He concluded his illustrious playing career in Japan after signing with Vissel Kobe in 2018, officially retiring from professional football in 2020.

Since retiring, Villa has seamlessly transitioned into executive roles within the football industry. He co-founded DV7 Group, a global initiative that includes DV7 Soccer academies spanning multiple countries. In 2021, he took on the role of Head of Global Football Operations for Odisha FC, further extending his influence in football development. Most recently, in 2023, David Villa was appointed vice-president of CF Benidorm, continuing to shape the sport from leadership positions.