David Silva vs Emmanuel Petit: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Defensive Midfielder, France (born 1970, retired 2004)
David Silva versus Emmanuel Petit is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. Across his senior career David Silva notched 124 goals in 771 appearances (0.16 per game), while Emmanuel Petit recorded 45 in 500 (0.09 per game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — David Silva is listed at 0 and Emmanuel Petit at 40 where figures survive. In major honours David Silva collected 9 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2010) — whereas Emmanuel Petit amassed 4, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1998). The attacking midfielder duties of David Silva leaned orchestrating; the defensive midfielder responsibilities of Emmanuel Petit leaned creative. Their routes to the top were distinct: David Silva built his reputation across Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad, peaking around 2012, while Emmanuel Petit reached his defining level around 1998 after spells with Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
179 words · comparison angle: role
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.”
Scorer of France's third goal in the 1998 World Cup final, Petit was a versatile, combative midfielder who completed the Premier League and FA Cup double with Arsenal that same year.
“A tall, technically sound midfielder capable of playing centre-back or holding midfield with equal composure.”
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 (1998)
- 1× UEFA European Championship (2000)
- 1× Premier League (1998)
- 1× FA Cup (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
- 1988 Professional debut for Monaco
- 1998 Won FIFA World Cup with Arsenal
- 1998 Won FA Cup with Arsenal
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Arsenal
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Chelsea
- Finished his career with 45 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 45 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, David Silva takes it by a decisive margin.
David Silva edges it (a decisive margin)
