David Silva vs Predrag Mijatović: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Striker, Yugoslavia (born 1969, retired 2004)
Put David Silva and Predrag Mijatović side by side and you have a genuine generational conversation. They occupied different roles, which makes a like-for-like verdict a careful exercise. The raw numbers read 124 goals in 771 outings for David Silva (0.16/game), versus 210 in 500 for Predrag Mijatović (0.42/game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — David Silva is listed at 0 and Predrag Mijatović at 30 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours David Silva with 9 major trophies (1× FIFA World Cup (2010)) against Predrag Mijatović's 2 (1× UEFA Champions League (1998)). The attacking midfielder duties of David Silva leaned creative; the striker responsibilities of Predrag Mijatović leaned explosive. Their routes to the top were distinct: David Silva built his reputation across Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad, peaking around 2012, while Predrag Mijatović reached his defining level around 1998 after spells with Budućnost Podgorica, Partizan, Valencia CF, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, Levante. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
178 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.”
Mijatović's decisive winning goal in the 1998 Champions League final ended Real Madrid's 32-year wait for the European Cup and remains one of the club's most iconic moments.
“A clever, mobile striker whose intelligent runs in behind and composed finishing produced goals in the biggest moments.”
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× UEFA Champions League (1998)
- 1× La Liga (1997)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 Retired from professional football
- 1986 Professional debut for Budućnost Podgorica
- 1998 Won UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
- 1997 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Levante
- Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 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)
