David Silva vs Rudi Völler: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Striker, Germany (born 1960, retired 1996)
When David Silva and Rudi Völler are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. By the end David Silva had 124 goals from 771 caps and club outings; Rudi Völler had 220 from 480. Assists were never formally recorded across most of their eras, so the playmaking dimension has to be judged on reputation and highlights rather than hard totals. David Silva departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 1× FIFA World Cup (2010); Rudi Völler with 3, including 1× FIFA World Cup (1990). As a attacking midfielder David Silva bent the role to a silky template; as a striker, Rudi Völler redefined it with ruthless authority. Their routes to the top were distinct: David Silva built his reputation across Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad, peaking around 2012, while Rudi Völler reached his defining level around 1990 after spells with Kickers Offenbach, Werder Bremen, Roma, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
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.”
A stylish, quick German striker best remembered for his acrobatic assist to Andreas Brehme's decisive touch and clinical finishing that fired West Germany to the 1990 World Cup.
“A mobile, technically gifted striker with a flair for delicate flicks and precise, first-time finishing.”
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 (1990)
- 1× Coppa Italia (1991)
- 1× Ligue 1 (1993)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 Retired from professional football
- 1977 Professional debut for Kickers Offenbach
- 1990 Won FIFA World Cup with Roma
- 1993 Won Ligue 1 with Marseille
- 1990 Reached the peak of his powers at Roma
- 1996 Retired after a final spell at Bayer Leverkusen
- Finished his career with 220 goals in 480 appearances and 3 major honours. Finished his career with 220 goals in 480 appearances and 3 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give David Silva the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
David Silva edges it (a decisive margin)
