David Silva

At 38 years old, David Silva has this physical status:

David Josué Jiménez Silva (born 8 January 1986) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Real Sociedad in La Liga. Silva excels as a central or attacking midfielder, but he can also play as a winger or a second striker. He is primarily a left-footed player, and his passing ability and possession-retaining skills have earned him the nicknames "Merlin" and "El Mago" from his teammates and supporters. He is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his time.

Silva played in more than 160 games and won a Copa del Rey in 2008. He migrated to Manchester City in 2010 and has since appeared in over 400 games. He has won two FA Cups, five League Cups, and four Premier League titles with them. Along Billy Meredith, Bert Trautmann, Colin Bell, and Sergio Agüero, he is regarded as one of Manchester City's best ever players. Silva has been recognized three times as part of the PFA Team of the Year. Silva revealed on June 26th, 2019-2021, putting an end to his ten-year service with Manchester City. He became the youngest player to reach 200 victories in the Premier League on September 28, 2019, smashing the record set by Chelsea defender John Terry.

Silva also represented Spain, from his debut for the senior team in 2006 to his international retirement in 2018. He formed a midfield partnership with Xavi and Iniesta that culminated in three consecutive international tournament victories – UEFA Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2012. He is one of only 13 Spanish players to have scored 100 caps in his international career, making him the 4th best goalscorer in Spain's history, while also providing 29 assists, making him the second-highest assist provider in Spain's history.

Early life

Silva was born in Arguine, Canary Islands, to Fernando Jiménez, a former municipal police officer who later was in charge of the Valencia CF stadium and Eva Silva. Fernando's father, Fernando, is from Spain (Canarian), while Eva, his mother, is of Japanese descent, according to Canarian media.

Silva began playing football in the youth team of UD San Fernando, just south of Maspalomas. He started as a goalkeeper before moving to a winger and mirrored his game around his footballing idol as a youth, Michael Laudrup. When he was 14 years old, he was offered to play for Valencia CF as a youth player, which he accepted. He stayed in Valencia's youth system until he was 17 years old.

Personal life

Silva had been playing in December 2017 but decided against returning to Spain for personal reasons. Mateo, his son, had been born prematurely and was struggling to recover, and on January 3, 2018, he said he was fighting to survive. Mateo was deemed healthy on May 11 and was allowed to return home.

He tested positive for COVID-19 on August 31, 2020.

Source

Club career

Silva made his professional debut in 2004–05 with Segunda División's Eibar, while on loan from Valencia, playing 35 league games and scoring on five occasions. He was out on loan again in the following season, this time to Celta de Vigo, where he appeared in 34 games and scored four goals. Silva played as an undisputed starter in the Galician team's second-tier following two late substitute appearances, the first in a 2–0 home victory over Málaga on August 28, 2005.

Despite his youthful age of 20, Silva returned to Valencia in the summer of 2006, becoming an automatic first-choice. He only missed six games and scored 14 goals, his first league goal since being drawn in a 1–1 draw at Espanyol on November 5, 2006, was his first in two seasons together. He extended his contract by five years in August 2008, despite the keenness of several Premier League clubs. He received the Copa del Rey 2008, his first title in Spain.

Silva returned to the call-ups in mid-December after not appearing in the first three months of 2008-09 due to a persistent ankle injury. In a 3-1 home win over Atlético Madrid on January 3, 2009, he scored twice, while the Che qualified for the Europa League with 19 matches (four goals).

Silva scored a career-best eight goals in the 2009–2010 season as Valencia finished in third place and returned to the UEFA Champions League. He scored a brace against Athletic Bilbao in a 2–0 home victory on April 15, 2010, adding three assists in the Europa League's 4–4 thriller at Werder Bremen for the Europa League's round of 16.

Manchester City announced on June 30th that they had reached an understanding with Valencia over Silva's transfer and that he would join the club on a four-year contract, ahead of the 2010–11 season. Silva was given the number 21 shirt on July 14 by the Premier League, the same number he wore for Valencia and when playing for Spain. Manchester City had previously attempted to sign Silva and his Valencia teammate David Villa in 2008, but they were turned down when Valencia quoted a £135 million combined price tag for both players.

In his first season, city manager Roberto Mancini used Silva as a winger and later as a trequartista. Silva made his Premier League debut at White Hart Lane on August 14, 2010 in a 0–0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. On September 16, he scored his first goal for the club against Red Bull Salzburg in Europa League group play. He scored his first league goal against Blackpool in a match against Blackpool on October 17th, scoring City's third goal in a 3–2 away win. Emmanuel Adebayor scored two goals in a 3–1 home victory over Lech Pozna in the Europa League. In a 3–1 away victory over West Ham United, he contributed to Manchester City's third slipping through Adam Johnson for Manchester City's third. According to erroneous media reports, Silva could return to Spain and cite homesickness and inability to adapt to the English game. His achievements, on the other hand, wowed him three consecutive Manchester City Player of the Month awards from October to December 2010.

In the 2–1 loss to rivals Manchester United, Edin Deko fired off his back and into the net on February 12, 2011. In an FA Cup win (3–0) over Aston Villa on March 2, he scored from 20 yards out. He scored Manchester City's victory over Wigan Athletic on three days later. Silva scored his third goal in City's 5–0 victory over Sunderland on April 3rd. Silva's assist to Yaya Touré's victory over Everton in Goodison Park brought him to 15 assists in all competitions for the season.

Silva made a name for himself in the Premier League during his rookie season as one of the league's top playmakers. Carlos Tevez praised him as "the best signing we [Manchester City] have made." Silva had four goals and seven assists in 35 league appearances in 2010-11.

Silva began his 2011-2012 season in fine form, scoring the third goal in City's 4–0 thrashing of Swansea City and being named man of the match. He also scored against Bolton Wanderers this week and was named man of the match twice. In City's second home game against Wigan Athletic, Silva scored two of Sergio Agüero's three goals. He was beginning to have a great relationship with the Argentine, with the pair having combined to score three goals. Silva, City manager Roberto Mancini, compared him to fellow Spanish internationals Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, claiming that Silva is "one of the world's best players." Silva was named Premier League Player of the Month on October 1st for his outstanding performances, the first time two Manchester City players have won the award in back-to-back months with Edin D'eko winning the competition the month before.

Manchester City defeated 6-1 in the first Manchester Derby of the season, with Silva proving to be instrumental in the Manchester City attack, scoring Edin D'eko's fifth goal, setting up Edin D'eko's second goal and assisting Mario Balotelli in the first two goals. In the aftermath of the match, he was described as "two steps ahead of all the United players" and was praised "two steps ahead of all the others." Silva said in an interview with a Spanish radio station on October 25, 2011, that he turned down Barcelona and Real Madrid so he could sign for City and that he intends to remain at the club for years. "Madrid and Barcelona are fantastic teams, but I'm happy here and I'd like to stay here for many years," he said. Earl Barrett, a former City and England defender, said he is almost impossible to stop due to his ability to create space, and Andy Cole, who played for Manchester United, has said Silva "is a joy to watch."

Silva scored a goal in City's 3–2 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Friday, and also scored in City's 1–0 home win over Arsenal on December 18th. He also played his fourth goal in City's 4–0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on April 11, 2012. City and Manchester United's shared distance between them and Manchester United had been reduced to just three points in a row, but they knew that a victory would be enough to lift the Premier League on goal difference. Silva was unveiled in a match widely regarded as the biggest game in Premier League history, but not by Vincent Kompany. City won 1–0 and returned to the league summit after being eight points behind their city rivals as recently as the start of the month.

Silva provided a cross for Edin D'eko in the 91st minute of the match on May 13th, 2012. With City advancing to their first top flight title in 44 years, Silva was rewarded with a victory over QPR on Sunday. In addition to winning his first Premier League medal with Manchester City, he also spent the season on top of the assists table with 15 assists to his name and was one of four City players to make it to the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year.

Silva signed a new five-year contract at City on September 17, pledging himself to the Etihad Stadium until 2017. Silva had a good start in the 2012-2013 Premier League season, helping Joleon Lescott in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal. As he played in Aguero against Fulham at Craven Cottage, he continued this up with another assist the following week. In October, he hurt himself playing for Spain, causing him to miss three games for Manchester City. Edin Deko, a striker who converted in the 88th minute, earned a 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on November 11th. He gave him the vital assist, a soaring through-ball. In a 5–0 thrashing of Aston Villa at home on November 17th in the very next league match of the season, his first league goal of the season came in a 5–0 loss.

Silva won by two points against Fulham at home on January 19, 2013. He scored his fifth and final goal in Manchester City's 5–0 victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday, securing progression to the semi-finals. Despite missing the match against Chelsea due to injury, City defeated Chelsea 2-1, leading them to their second FA Cup Final in three seasons. At Wembley Stadium, they will face Wigan Athletic, who have relegated. Silva started the game and played the full 90 minutes, but the Blues were rattled by a Pablo Zabaleta red card, with a late Ben Watson header adding to their agony. It was one of the best FA Cup upsets, and Mancini's job was costing City manager Mancini's job.

Silva made a spectacular play against Deko in the penultimate Premier League game against Reading, which took the entire Reading defense out of the game. In City's first match since Roberto Mancini's dismissal, Deko scored, winning by 0–2 points. Silva had four goals and ten assists in 32 league appearances for a City squad that finished runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League, finishing runners-up.

Silva's 2013-2014 Premier League season was a tough one for him, as a result of numerous injuries limited him to just 27 league appearances. Nonetheless, he did a good job with Manchester City's stellar track of goals and assists. Silva scored Manchester City's first goal of the season against Newcastle United in a 4–0 victory at City of Manchester Stadium on August 19th. In the 3–2 loss at Cardiff, he contributed to Cardiff's scoring, but Alvaro Nego came in second. Silva began one of his Premier League spells on October 5th. Sergio Aguero assisted Sergio Aguero to score against Everton in a 3–1 victory over West Ham, his first league appearance since August. Silva scored again in the 7-0 home victory over Norwich on November 2nd, but his good form was cut short due to a calf injury, which kept him out of City's next six games.

He returned to action on December 14th, scoring at home in a 6–3 victory over Arsenal, before setting up goals in each of the next two games against Fulham and Liverpool. Silva was also enjoying one of his most successful UEFA Champions League campaigns to date, having three assists and a goal in Group D, which included a strike in a 3–2 victory over champions Bayern Munich in December.

City had also progressed deep into the League Cup by defeating Leicester and Newcastle to advance to the semi-finals, where they will meet West Ham United. Silva played 73 minutes of the first leg, which City beat by a 6-0 scoreline, implying he was restrained for the return leg (a 3-0 win). He was recalled to the starting lineup in the final, where City's goals from Yaya Toure, Nasri, and replacement Jesus Navas earned them their first League Cup victory since 1976.

Silva's month of March was a fruitful one for him, with two goals and two assists in the league, as well as a slew of outstanding performances. Since scoring in away matches against Hull City and Arsenal, he was named Manchester City Player of the Month for March 2014. Silva finished the season off with a goal and an assist against Liverpool at Anfield, but the Blues were unable to prevent the Blues from losing by 3–2. However, City won their second Premier League winners medal, beating the Merseysiders' one from 2011-2012. Silva claimed his second Premier League champion medal after a good run of form in the final five games of the season. In all competitions, he ended the season with eight goals and 16 assists.

Silva appeared in the 2014 FA Community Shield, losing 3–0 to Arsenal on August 10th. He had a five-year contract extension with City two days earlier. Silva scored Manchester City's first goal of the 2014–15 Premier League season on August 17th, as the previous season. Silva scored against West Brom on Boxing Day before scoring against West Brom.

Silva defeated Newcastle United 5–0 on February 21, 2015, scoring a brace against Newcastle United. For his February appearances, he received the Etihad Player of the Month award. Silva won by 1–0 over Leicester City on March 4th, taking him to ten league goals in a season for the first time in his career. Jamie Redknapp referred to him as a "maestro" for his City appearances, while teammate Edin Deko dubbed him "the best player in the Premier League."

In the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clashes, City defeated Barcelona three days later at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues were largely knocked away by Barcelona's ingenious backheel flick from Silva to Aguero, who scored to pull one back for City.

Silva was trapped by the elbow of Cheikhou Kouyaté on 19 April, needing eight minutes of medical assistance before being substituted for Samir Nasri. He did not fracture his cheekbone, according to tests.

Silva scored a goal in City's 6–0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on May 10th, resulting in the latter's relegation. He ended the season with 12 goals and ten assists in all leagues, with all 12 strikes coming in the Premier League, a career high.

Silva put on a "unbelievable" result in the first match of the Premier League season, beating West Brom 0–3 on a 0–3 win. A clever backheel flick on Yaya Toure's long-distance drive sent the ball flying into the net, as well as assisting the team's third goal. Silva was nominated for both the Manchester and Premier League Player of the Month Awards for August after providing three assists for the team's victories against Chelsea and Watford in August.

Silva sustained ankle pain while playing for Spain on October 9th, but was out for the majority of October and November. In a 3–1 league victory over Southampton on November 28, he made his return as a 75th-minute replacement. In a 4–2 home win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, Manchester City defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the last UEFA Champions League group stage match on Sunday, he netted the opener, resulting in the club's first season in the championship league. Silva had three assists in home victories over Newcastle United and Sunderland, Tyne-Wear rivals.

Silva waryse in a 4–0 home league victory over Crystal Palace on January 16, 2016, who set up two more goals and played a crucial role in the remaining goal. He started playing 110 minutes against Liverpool in the 2016 Football League Cup Final on Sunday, starting every match of City's League Cup campaign since the quarter-finals. Wilfried Bony was suspended ten minutes from time and Manchester City went on to beat the Reds 3-1 on penalties, with Silva winning his second League Cup with the club. In a 4–0 home loss to Aston Villa six days later, he claimed another brace of assistance.

Silva scored second on City's second straight victory over Dynamo Kyiv 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, his second strike of the European season. He started City's next four games in the competition as the Blues made their deepest run in history by reaching the semi-finals. Silva was forced to leave after just 40 minutes due to injury after starting as one of City's best players in the first leg against Real Madrid. He missed the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu and his staff were hurt in his absence. The Blues were defeated 1-0 on the night and on aggregate. Pellegrini mourned the departure of his key playmaker, claiming that Silva's absence crippled his team and strained his ability to create opportunities.

Silva finished the season with four goals and 12 assists in 36 matches, a disappointing campaign for him personally and one in which he missed 22 games due to a persistent ankle injury, among other things. Despite that, it was a trophy-winning season, his ninth major honor of his career.

It was the start of a new City's new manager, Pep Guardiola, to much fanfare. The legendary manager, who also wrote a three-year deal with the Blues, said one of the reasons he left was to work with Silva, who he described as a special player and one of the finest he's ever trained. Silva scored one goal in a 5–0 victory over Steaua București in the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League play-off round in Guardiola's first season with the club. He had a fruitful European campaign against Raheem Sterling against Celtic, and later scored the equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the group stage. Following a 5-5 aggregate draw, the Blues advanced to the knockout stages, where they will meet Monaco in the Round of 16, but Aguero would be out of the tournament on away goals.

Despite a promising start to the season as City stormed to the top of the table, the Blues endured a difficult season, ending up third, 15 points behind champion Chelsea. The team was in transition at this point, as under Guardiola's watchdogs were beginning to implement a distinct footballing philosophy.

Despite the team's under-performance, Silva finished the year with eight goals and 11 assists in all competitions, and he beat Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne to be named Manchester City's Player of the Season. It was his second time being recognised as such following his 2011-12 success, with the Spaniard quickly becoming one of Pep Guardiola's top contenders in the City side.

Silva continued his fine work in the 2017–18 season by posting eight Premier League assists in 14 appearances, the most for any player in Europe's top five leagues. The 2017–18 season was a particularly difficult for the Spaniard, as his infant son was born prematurely. He was compelled to fly back and forth between England and Spain to visit his son and his partner in a Madrid hospital. Despite this, Silva continued to produce stellar results, and on the 30th of November 2017, Silva signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City, keeping him at the club until 2020. Silva scored the winner of a close match at Old Trafford on December 10th, stabbing the ball past David de Gea from close range.

Silva was forced to miss a crucial game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in December because he was with his son in Spain. City put on a superb show, defeating Tottenham 4–1 after manager Pep Guardiola's exhortation to Silva and his partner Yessica's victory. Kevin De Bruyne, a midfielder for City, held his fingers up to display the number 21, Silva's number 21, after winning his second game in a touching tribute to the Spaniard. Manchester City triumphed the Premier League by a record 100 points, leading to the team being dubbed The Centurions. Manchester United's 19 point lead to second-placed Manchester United was also a record winning margin, which remains to this day.

Silva also scored in the 2018 EFL Cup Final against Arsenal. Silva was nominated for PFA Player of the Year and selected in the PFA Team of the Year for the second time as City defeated the Premier League for the second time. It was Silva's third Premier League title and his second time being selected in the PFA Team of the Year, and he ended the year with 10 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.

Silva scored his 50th Premier League goal in his 253rd appearance in the competition on September 15, 2018, while simultaneously representing Manchester City in the same match for the third time. City and Liverpool went head-to-head in an exciting title battle that culminated in City defeating the Reds by a single point.

The Blues won the Community Shield, League Cup, and FA Cup, as well as Silva scoring in the final of the second tournament. They became the first club in English football to win all four domestic titles in a single season by doing this. Silva played in 33 of City's 38 league games, scoring 10 goals and 14 assists in all leagues as he earned his second FA Cup, fourth League Cup, and fourth Premier League crown.

Silva inherited the club captaincy following Vincent Kompany's departure in 2019. Silva revealed on June 26th that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the 2019-20 season. The campaign started with City facing Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley-City-Wind on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Silva assisting Raheem Sterling for City's goal. City defeated Newcastle United 5–0 on Sunday, he had two assists, the second of which was his 10th of the season, and scored a free kick. He scored 150 Premier League goals and assists with his free kick goal, which was something only a few midfielders had done before.

City defeated Aston Villa in the League Cup final on March 1, 2020, their third in as many years and fifth in seven seasons. The Blues lifted the trophy for the third time in a row. Sergio Aguero and Rodri scored. Silva earned his first award as captain of Manchester City and his fifth League Cup title overall, making him the most recognizable player in the game's 60-year history.

Silva played his final Premier League game for Manchester City, a 5–0 win over Norwich City on July 26, 2020. He was called late in the game, bringing applause from all present. In a humiliating 3–1 loss to Olympique Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finals, just under a month later, he played his last game in a City shirt. Silva, a 34-year-old man, ended the year with a respectable record of six goals and 11 assists in all competitions, enough to earn him his third appearance in the PFA Team of the Year, despite City's underwhelming season.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the mayor of Manchester, and colleagues Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany, have announced plans for a statue of Silva on August 17th to commemorate his 10-year "transformational" service at the Etihad Stadium. On August 28, 2021, the statues of Silva and Kompany were unveiled.

Despite rumors of a transfer to Lazio's Italian club Real Sociedad, the Spanish club Real Sociedad announced the signing of Silva on a free transfer on August 17th.

Silva made his club debut against Real Madrid in a 0–0 home draw, before being brought on as a replacement in the second half. As La Real defeated Huesca 4-1 in La Liga on October 25, 2020, Silva provided two assists. In a 4–1 away victory over Celta Vigo a week later, he scored his first goal for the club. Silva was selected in WhoScored's La Liga Team of the Month for November, as well as being named Real Sociedad Player of the Month for his outstanding contributions for Sociedad.

Real Sociedad defeated Alaves 4–0 in the league on February 21, 2021, Silva once more provided two assists. This pushed La Real to 5th in the table, while Silva became the only player to have two assists in two separate La Liga games this season.

Silva debuted and played 85 minutes in the 2020 Copa Del Rey Final against local rival Athletic Club Bilbao on April 3r 2021. After Cristian Portu was brought down in the box, the match was decided by a 63rd minute penalty from La Real captain Mikel Oyarzabal. Silva was called late in the game to a standing ovation from the Sociedad bench, but he and his teammates went on to lift the Copa Del Rey, Real Sociedad's first major trophy since 1987. It was David Silva's 19th major award and his second Copa Del Rey title. He and fellow transfer student Carlos Fernández never competed in the previous rounds of the tournament, which took place during the 2019-20 season, prior to this final, which was postponed.

International career

Silva first appeared in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Finland, scoring three goals. He became an under-21 international and scored four goals during the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, earning him joint-fourth place in the goal standings, alongside Italian striker Graziano Pellè.

Silva made his international debut in the 1–0 friendly home loss to Romania on November 15, 2006, and after solid results in his first games, the team continued to receive call-ups. In a 3–2 friendly victory over Greece on August 22, he scored his first two goals for Spain, netting twice. He was then called up to the squad of 23 for UEFA Euro 2008.

At Euro 2008, Silva appeared in five of Spain's six matches. Fernando Torres was aided by Fernando Torres in Spain's second group stage match against Sweden in Innsbruck, with the Liverpool forward scoring the opener in a 2-1 victory.

Silva scored his third goal for Spain in the semi-finals versus Russia after a quick counter-attack in which Cesc Fàbregas scored a low cross and shot the ball into Igor Akinfeev's goal with his left foot. He was involved in a match with Lukas Podolski in Germany in the final. The German screamed at Silva, who resulted in an enraged exchange of words and a joining of heads that did not punish until he pulled him to the ground. In an attempt to calm the tensions, Spanish coach Luis Aragonés switched Silva for Santi Cazorla shortly afterward.

Silva was also selected for the squad for the finals in South Africa after appearing regularly during 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – Spain won all ten fixtures – and Silva was also selected for the squad for the finals in South Africa. His participation, on the other hand, was modest. He started La Furia Roja's first group game against Switzerland in Durban, but the European champions lost 1–0, despite some sparks.

Silva then appeared for Spain in the semi-final against Germany, replacing Pedro for the final nine minutes. Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0, thanks to a header from Carles Puyol, who went on to win the tournament by defeating the Netherlands in the final.

Silva scored two minutes into second-half injury time on August 11, 2010 in a world friendly with Mexico, bringing the game to a 1–1 draw. Silva won by 62 minutes in a 4–0 away victory in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein on September 3rd. As the national team defeated Lithuania (3–1) in Salamanca (3–1) the following month, he scored via a rare header.

He came off the bench to score the game's only goal with just four minutes remaining in a friendly against Colombia on February 9, 2011, helping Spain win by a close 1–0 victory. In Spain's 3–1 victory over Scotland in their final match of the Euro 2012 qualifiers, he scored twice and gave one assist. With a winning record in qualifying, the Spaniards qualified for the tournament by winning all their group games. He scored his first goal in Spain's 2–2 victory over Costa Rica, a friendly match in which he was brought on as a replacement with Spain trailing 2–0. In a match that culminated in a 5–0 win, he scored in a friendly against Venezuela, making the score 2–0. He scored in a pre-tournament friendly against China by ending off a brief give and go from Andrés Iniesta in the 84th minute, leading into Euro 2012's.

In all six matches of Spain's Euro 2012 campaign, Silva was a starter. He delivered a spectacular flicked through ball to Cesc Fabregas, who scored to tie the game up at 1–1.

Silva scored one of the tournament's best results in Spain's second Group C match against the Republic of Ireland, scoring one and giving two assists. As he left Sean St., his aim was mesmeric. Ledger was on the floor and defeated Stephen Ward before finally slotting it over former Manchester City teammate Shay Given.

He took a Cesc Fàbregas cross in the 14th minute of the UEFA Euro 2012 Final, giving Spain a 1–0 lead. The match ended 4–0 and brought an end to the tournament in which Silva scored two goals and made three assists, assuring the highest effectiveness (goals and assists) of any player at the Euros. He was then selected in the UEFA's Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament for his performances. He was also ranked as the third highest assist provider at the Euros, with three of them finishing as the joint top assist provider.

Silva was selected in Vicente del Bosque's 23-man squad for Spain's 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, where he was named in Brazil's 23-man squad. He scored two goals and assisted one for David Villa in Spain's 10-0-group stage demolition of Tahiti on the Maracan on June 20. Spain will advance to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final, where they were thrashes 3–0 by hosts Brazil.

Silva was a member of Spain's 23-man team that traveled to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Silva started the match against the Netherlands in Bahia, with La Roja defending the crown they won four years ago in South Africa. However, they were unable to repeat their triumph over the Oranje from 2010 and lost 5-1, despite taking the lead early.

Silva appeared in his second group stage game against Chile, where he was able to complete 90 minutes. However, it was still another bad outing for the team, who were notably defeated 2-0 and barred from the tournament.

Despite the team's poor showing, Silva provided one of La Roja's sparks, giving his team seven chances, the most of any Spanish player at the World Cup.

Euro 2016 was one of Silva's best outings for the National Team at a major tournament. Silva began the tournament with a show stopping performance against the Czech Republic in which he gave his team six chances, the most of any Spain player in a single match at the tournament. The reigning European champions took the game by a 1-0 win.

Silva was a central cog in Spain's second group game, a match against Turkey in Nice, as Spain put on one of their best showings of the tournament, defeating the Turks 3-0. Silva was mesmeric throughout and received a standing ovation from Spain and Turkey supporters alike when he was called late in the game.

In La Roja's third group stage game against Croatia, Silva played the full 90 minutes. It was an extraordinary performance, with the midfielder putting in a sublime through ball to teammate Cesc Fabregas, who squared for Alvaro Morata to score the opener. Spain lost 2-1 after winning a penalty, which was missed by Sergio Ramos. Despite this, Silva had five chances in the game, the second most of any Spain player in a Euro 2016 match after himself. Spain was eventually disqualified in the round of 16 by Italy, who defeated them 2-0.

Silva finished the tournament with 3.3 chances per 90, the third highest at the tournament.

Silva continued his goal scoring streak under new manager Julen Lorenzegui, scoring 9 times in 12 matches. Silva was selected to Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in May 2018. He started all of his games in their World Cup campaign, which culminated in a 3–4 penalty shootout loss to hosts Russia in the Round of 16.

Silva announced his retirement from international football following the 2018 World Cup. He finished his international career with 125 caps for Spain, scoring 35 goals. Silva earned accolades from many of his former colleagues, including Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, who called him "one of the finest players Spain has ever produced" following his retirement, without a shadow of a doubt. Vicente del Bosque, who led Spain to the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 gold medals, also went as far as to proclaim Silva "Spain's Lionel Messi" in Silvan.

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