David Silva vs Ferenc Puskás: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Forward, Hungary (born 1927, retired 1966)
The David Silva–Ferenc Puskás comparison is one of those fixtures of footballing folklore. Strip away the highlights and the medal count tells its own story for each man. The raw numbers read 124 goals in 771 outings for David Silva (0.16/game), versus 598 in 621 for Ferenc Puskás (0.96/game). Reliable assist tallies simply do not exist for large stretches of their careers, leaving creativity to the eye rather than the spreadsheet. David Silva departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 1× FIFA World Cup (2010); Ferenc Puskás with 10, including 3× European Cup (1959, 1960, 1966). David Silva built his medal haul through years of incisive consistency, while Ferenc Puskás won his with flair-driven bursts of brilliance. The wider career context matters too: David Silva peaked around 2012 after representing Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad, while Ferenc Puskás's defining level came around 1960 across Budapest Honvéd, Real Madrid. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
166 words · comparison angle: trophies
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.”
Hungarian legend of the Magical Magyats and a Real Madrid galáctico; scorer of 84 goals in 85 games for Hungary.
“A barrel-chested left-footed finisher whose deadly striking powered Hungary's Golden Team.”
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)
- 3× European Cup (1959, 1960, 1966)
- 5× La Liga
- 1× Olympic Gold Medal (1952)
- 1× Central European Cup (1953)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 Retired from professional football
- 1943 Budapest Honvéd debut
- 1952 Olympic champion with Hungary
- 1953 Scored twice in the 6-3 win over England at Wembley
- 1956 Fled the Hungarian Revolution
- 1958 Joined Real Madrid
- 1960 Scored four goals in the European Cup final
- 1966 Retired from playing
The verdict
The numbers give Ferenc Puskás the lead — a narrow margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
Ferenc Puskás edges it (a narrow margin)
