75 days to go: The Kid’s colossal contribution
FIFA counts down to the World Cup 2026 with a daily statistical story.
David Villa scored or assisted 75 per cent of Spain’s goal at South Africa 2010 – a record for a World Cup-winning side. ‘El Guaje’ (‘The Kid’) is followed by Diego Maradona with 71 per cent of Argentina’s in 1986, Lionel Messi with 67 per cent of Argentina’s in 2022, Romario with 64 per cent of Brazil’s in 1994, Paolo Rossi with 58 per cent of Italy’s in 1982, and Pele with 53 per cent of Brazil’s in 1970. Villa bagged a brace in a 2-0 win over Honduras, chipped home the first and set up Andres Iniesta’s winner in the 2-1 reverse of Chile, and was Spain’s solitary scorer against Portugal in the last 16. Then, after craftily winning a penalty, which Xabi Alonso spurned on a retake, Villa snatched a last-gasp win over Paraguay.
“‘El Guaje’ was exceptional,” recalled Puyol. “He was fundamental to our success. His work-rate, his skill, his goals. They weren’t just any goals, but goals when Spain needed them.” “We wouldn’t have won the World Cup without David Villa,” insisted Iker Casillas.