David Silva vs Landon Donovan: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Forward, United States (born 1982, retired 2016)
David Silva and Landon Donovan represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? Greatness, in the end, is about who you inspired, and both left a footprint far beyond their own careers. The raw numbers read 124 goals in 771 outings for David Silva (0.16/game), versus 190 in 550 for Landon Donovan (0.35/game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — David Silva is listed at 0 and Landon Donovan at 145 where figures survive. In major honours David Silva collected 9 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2010) — whereas Landon Donovan amassed 9, led by 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014). Their legacies diverge in texture: David Silva is remembered as creative, Landon Donovan as explosive. Club journeys add another layer, with David Silva reaching his representative peak around 2012 across Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad and Landon Donovan doing so around 2010 with San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, LA Galaxy. Few pairings invite such entrenched disagreement, and fewer still deserve it this much.
185 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
David Josué Jiménez Silva (born 8 January 1986) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a central or an attacking midfielder and occasionally as a winger or second striker. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and among the greatest players in Premier League history, he was known for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure, passing and flair on the ball. Silva spent seven years of his professional career with Valencia, playing from 2004 to 2010, and won the Copa del Rey in 2008.
“A pocket-sized conductor whose close control and passing gave Manchester City its early rhythm.”
The USA's all-time leading scorer for club and country until his retirement, Donovan was the face of American soccer through three World Cups, capped by his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Algeria in 2010.
“A quick, clever forward whose intelligent movement and clinical finishing made him the USA's most decorated attacking player.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 1× FIFA World Cup (2010)
- 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014)
- 3× CONCACAF Gold Cup (2002, 2005, 2007)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 Retired from professional football
- 2001 Professional debut for San Jose Earthquakes
- 2001 Won MLS Cup with San Jose Earthquakes
- 2002 Won CONCACAF Gold Cup with San Jose Earthquakes
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at LA Galaxy
- 2016 Retired after a final spell at LA Galaxy
- Finished his career with 190 goals in 550 appearances and 9 major honours. Finished his career with 190 goals in 550 appearances and 9 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, David Silva takes the verdict — a decisive margin, driven by a stronger all-round attribute profile.
David Silva edges it (a decisive margin)
