David Silva vs Luís Figo: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Winger, Portugal (born 1972, retired 2009)
There is something timeless about weighing David Silva against Luís Figo. It is in how they played, rather than what they won, that the comparison gets interesting. The raw numbers read 124 goals in 771 outings for David Silva (0.16/game), versus 144 in 737 for Luís Figo (0.20/game). Reliable assist tallies simply do not exist for large stretches of their careers, leaving creativity to the eye rather than the spreadsheet. In major honours David Silva collected 9 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2010) — whereas Luís Figo amassed 12, led by 1× UEFA Champions League (2002). David Silva played with a creative that made him unmistakable; Luís Figo brought a intelligent that was equally his own. Context beyond the headline totals is important: David Silva's landmark level arrived around 2012 with a career spanning Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad; Luís Figo's came around 2000 across Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
167 words · comparison angle: style
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.”
Portuguese winger and 2000 Ballon d'Or winner; won league titles in Spain and Italy at Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter.
“A right-wing dribbler with a trademark step-over and the capacity to deliver telling crosses all day.”
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)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2002)
- 4× La Liga (1998, 1999, 2001, 2003)
- 4× Serie A (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1997)
- 2× Copa del Rey (1997, 1998)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 Retired from professional football
- 1989 Sporting CP debut
- 1995 Joined Barcelona
- 2000 Controversial transfer to Real Madrid
- 2000 Ballon d'Or winner
- 2002 Champions League winner with Real Madrid
- 2005 Signed for Inter Milan
- 2009 Retired at Inter Milan
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Luís Figo takes the verdict — a clear margin, driven by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Luís Figo edges it (a clear margin)
