David Silva vs Daniel Passarella: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Centre-Back, Argentina (born 1953, retired 1989)
Comparing David Silva with Daniel Passarella means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Era matters in any comparison, and these two peaked under very different footballing conditions. Career output puts David Silva at 124 goals in 771 games, with Daniel Passarella at 175 in 600. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. In major honours David Silva collected 9 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2010) — whereas Daniel Passarella amassed 6, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1978). David Silva belonged to the modern era, dominating with a orchestrating quality; Daniel Passarella rose in the 1970s with a resolute edge. Their routes to the top were distinct: David Silva built his reputation across Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad, peaking around 2012, while Daniel Passarella reached his defining level around 1978 after spells with River Plate, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, River Plate. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
173 words · comparison angle: era
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.”
Argentina's World Cup-winning captain in 1978, Passarella was a rare goal-scoring sweeper renowned for thunderous free-kicks and fierce leadership.
“An aggressive, commanding sweeper who attacked set pieces and struck the ball with unusual power for a defender.”
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× FIFA World Cup (1978)
- 5× Argentine Primera División (1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 Retired from professional football
- 1974 Professional debut for River Plate
- 1978 Won FIFA World Cup with River Plate
- 1975 Won Argentine Primera División with River Plate
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at River Plate
- 1989 Retired after a final spell at River Plate
- Finished his career with 175 goals in 600 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 175 goals in 600 appearances and 6 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, David Silva is the choice: a clear margin, with a weightier trophy cabinet the deciding factor.
David Silva edges it (a clear margin)
